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Dresden Panel Defers Zoo Bailout, Full Council Vote Set for Nov. 13

City leaders demand a recovery plan following an €850,000 shortfall tied to weak ticket sales plus higher costs.

Overview

  • The finance committee declined to approve a €500,000 emergency payment and sent the proposal to the full council for a decision on November 13.
  • The city reports a year-end gap of about €850,000, with the zoo asked to save €350,000 and the municipal share to be covered through higher concession-fee revenues.
  • Mayor Dirk Hilbert sought a fast-track approval, but committee members called for broader deliberation and a concrete stabilization concept.
  • Ticket revenue is now forecast at roughly €5.25 million versus €5.77 million planned, as the new €22 million orangutan house failed to generate the expected visitor surge.
  • The zoo already receives significant municipal funding in 2025 (about €3.35 million), and Peta urges ending additional subsidies and phasing out animal holdings.