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Lion bite in Norderstedt Zoo: The dramatic story of Oliver
Discover the abandoned zoo in Norderstedt: incident in 1982, lion attack on child, and the story of a "lost place".
Lion bite in Norderstedt Zoo: The dramatic story of Oliver
A mysterious place in Norderstedt, not far from Hamburg, is now attracting curious photographers and adventurers. The abandoned zoo, a so-called “lost place,” has a dark past that dates back to the early 1980s. The zoo generally maintained up to 450 animals, but financial difficulties and a tragic accident ultimately forced the gates to close.
On February 27, 1982, a lion named Zimba attacked four-year-old Oliver, who had escaped from his parents' home unattended. The little boy climbed under barbed wire and stuck his head through a steel mesh of a cage containing two lions. He was immediately attacked by Zimba and his lower jaw was torn off. Oliver's father managed to free him and the emergency doctor was called immediately - a 14-hour operation followed for the seriously injured boy. Oliver survived, but had to live with the consequences of this attack. The lions that attacked him were shot after the incident and the zoo operator was acquitted because security measures were deemed sufficient. t-online reports that ...
The decline of the Norderstedt Zoo
The zoo originally closed in 1985 due to economic problems. The previous operator, Hubert Knöpke, had initially created a popular excursion destination, but had found himself under enormous pressure in recent years. A former zookeeper reported that many safety precautions only met 50% of normal standards. In addition, approval for exotic animals was granted in 1972, which added another dimension to the zoo. But the tragic incidents permanently shook trust in the facility.
Today the area between Schleswig-Holstein-Straße and Kringelkrugweg stands as a relic of bygone times. It has turned into a “lost place” where the Segeberg district initiated security measures in 2015 and removed most of the buildings. Initially, reforestation was planned, but today the remains of the former zoo attract mainly photographers who want to capture the morbid beauty of the ruins. Kn-online describes the situation in detail.
A look at other “Lost Places”
The Norderstedt Zoo is not the only place that has been forgotten today. Similar situations can also be found in other regions, such as Tübingen. There, only overgrown remains of walls and a remaining cage are evidence of a zoo that was operated between 1907 and 1919. These places tell stories of glory and decline and fascinate those looking for a special adventure. bw24 reports on the interesting decline of Lost Places in Germany.
The Norderstedt Zoo remains a fascinating, albeit tragic, part of the city's history, whose walls tell of a different life - a life that not only captivated animal and nature lovers, but can also serve as a warning example of safety and responsibility in animal husbandry.