City Unveils Unauthorized Zoo Details: Erfurt's Hidden Secret Revealed
Heads Up, Zoo Lovers! 🐘 🦁 🐨
Get ready for a bit of squeeze at the gates: It seems that Erfurt Zoo is considering a hike in ticket prices! A draft resolution, recently leaked to the public, suggests that the city council is mulling over this decision, set to be finalized by end of June. First reported by the "Thuringian General".
According to current reports, the price increase could take effect as soon as August this year. At the moment, it's not confirmed, but opposition against the proposed zoo plans in Erfurt is quickly gathering steam.
A Sting at the Gate: Zoo Erfurt Ponders Ticket Hikes
The newspaper reveals that day tickets could see an increase of around 2 euros, while annual passes may boost by 5 euros. This means that an adult day ticket would set you back 17 euros, downsized admission would cost 12 instead of 10 euros. Child tickets might climb up to 9.50 euros (up from 7 euros). However, there are exceptions to these price jumps: children's and reduced annual passes will reportedly retain their current prices. The price for adult annual passes, on the other hand, will go up from 40 to 45 euros. Families would have to dish out 90 instead of 80 euros, and dog passes would cost 25 instead of 23 euros.
Farewell to Petersberg with a Heavy Heart
One silver lining, however, is that children's and reduced annual passes will presumably hold steady in price. The price for adult annual passes, though, is expected to climb from 40 to 45 euros. Families would find themselves paying 90 instead of 80 euros, and dog passes would run 25 euros instead of 23 euros.
Council Criticism
The proposed price hikes aren't spontaneous; the Zoo Erfurt has been bleeding money for the city. Last year, it reported a deficit of half a million euros, as cited by the Left party's city council faction from the preliminary annual accounts 2024. City councilor Karola Stange (Left) argues:
"The proposed 13% increase in entrance fees for the Erfurt Zoo might only barely enhance the financial situation of the independent operation, but could potentially lead to a decline in visitor numbers," Stange said. According to the Left's calculations, the price increases would presumably generate around 72,000 euros in additional revenue, assuming visitor numbers remain constant.
Egapark Erfurt: Visitor Displeasure! No Solution in Sight
"The Left isn't averse to a modest price adjustment, but considers it much more critical that the city council and the mayor guarantee the overall financial stability of the zoo," Stange continued.
Other news:
The draft will be discussed in the responsible committee on June 17.
Despite the financial struggles facing Erfurt Zoo, the potential increase in ticket prices may deter some visitors, adversely affecting the home-and-garden of wildlife within the city, argues the Left party's city council faction. In contrast, days spent exploring the home-and-garden of Erfurt Zoo could soon become a little more expensive, as the proposed ticket price hikes threaten to disrupt the lifestyle of both locals and tourists.
