Zoo Leipzig experiences chaos in Gondwana section!
A lush haven for the creatures of Leipzig Zoo's Gondwana-Land, where staff work tirelessly to provide everything their charges need. The tropical gardens, however, require a touch of ruthlessness from time to time. A MDR documentary series captured a recent event, as employees pruned the treetops in the heart of spring.
Leipzig Zoo's Gondwana-Land: A Day of Excitement and Necessity
As the blossoms bloom, a monstrous iron beast makes its way into the Gondwana-Land! Thus begins a stir amongst the feathered visitors as the workers strategize their moves in the lush indoor jungle. Their cargo: hefty machinery, as a severe trim is in order for the treetops.
Behind the Scenes: The Heart-Wrenching Motive Revealed
"The lower plants need more sunlight," explains Christine Anger in the June 6 episode of "Elephant, Tiger & Co." "As the trees propagate far and wide, the lower part is deprived." To rectify the issue, the horticulturists venture up the trees annually, taking care not to harm the ecosystem they protect.
"Growth, Much like Hair"
"We often see how swiftly it recovers and regrows when we perform drastic pruning on the trees," says Michael Ernst. "It's like long hair. When you chop it off, it grows back shorter. Then, it grows long again."
He chuckles, "I know that well. It sprouts like mad weeds!"
Of course, the horticulture team is mindful not to hack away haphazardly at every tree. They first ensure there are no nests tucked away in the leafy canopies - preserving the breeding ground for the avian residents.
More News:- Catch new episodes of "Elephant, Tiger & Co." on MDR TV every Friday at 7:50 PM.- You can also stream entire episodes at any time in the mediathek.
Interesting Facts:- The annual tree pruning process in Leipzig Zoo's Gondwana-Land serves several purposes, including maintaining the exhibit's aesthetic appeal, animal and human safety, and overall health of the trees.- During pruning, the horticulturists take care to minimize stress on the plants and to avoid disrupting the animals' habitats.- The rapid recovery of the trees after pruning is similar to the growth pattern of long hair, where cutting encourages fresh, regenerated growth.
