Summer event 2022: Lewa Savannah at Zurich Zoo

As a young member of the association, the summer event on July 9, 2022 was the first opportunity for me to meet some members from the board and the association. The surprisingly high number of registrations is certainly an indication that after the privations of the Corona time, many apparently shared this need for a real meeting with me. 

The ideal meeting place for this beautiful summer evening was the Zurich Zoo on the edge of the newly opened Lewa Savannah. I had already spent the afternoon at the zoo, so I was already attuned to a special zoo experience in the evening. I was not to be disappointed. The evening was perfectly organized under the proven leadership of our managing director Claudia Haas. Already at this point I would like to say a big thank you to her and all the others from the association's board who were involved in the planning and organization of the event. 

In four groups we could first enjoy a guided tour through selected areas of the zoo under the expert guidance of zoo staff. Of course, a visit to the Galàpagos tortoises was not to be missed. After all, Zurich Zoo is famous worldwide for its breeding successes and we were able to learn a lot of interesting facts about the keeping and breeding of this unique species. Due to current events, however, we also discussed the deaths in the elephant group, which had aroused widespread media interest. 

Already during the walk through the zoo, I was impressed by the calm that returns to the zoo after a long summer day, when even the last visitors head for the exit. 

We then met again at the edge of the Lewa savannah, where a sumptuous aperitif had been prepared. What an atmosphere! In the evening sun, a feeling of real African savannah came up and as if on order, the animals also set out once again to roam the savannah. As a photography enthusiast, I knew that this light could conjure up unique shots. 

The first contacts were already made during the tour, which could be casually extended and deepened over a glass of wine. Those who already knew each other from previous events or from the association's work were happy to meet again in this beautiful place. The time flew by and with a small additional loop through the Pantanal I left the zoo in the direction of Lucerne, pleased and satisfied by this thoroughly successful evening. 

The opportunity to meet a large number of association members in such beautiful surroundings and to have many interesting conversations left a lasting impression on me and I am looking forward to further events and possibilities to support the association's activities. An association lives from the commitment, creative ideas and a bit of idealism of its members. For me, this was very tangible on this evening. 

Lucerne, August 1, 2022 

Achim Möbes 

A detour to Africa 

Zurich Zoo is slowly emptying and the evening calm descends over the Lewa Savannah - our destination for tonight's excursion. And as we see, we are not alone. It is getting crowded once again in front of the zoo entrance because more than 90 members and guests have enthusiastically accepted the invitation of the Association Friends of the Galápagos Islands Switzerland to a side trip to the African savannah. Already at the meeting point, there was a cheerful and expectant atmosphere. We were divided into four groups and off we went to Africa with our zoo guides on different paths and stations!  

The giraffes seem to have "taken the day off" today and don't show up. But we can observe the zebras and rhinos on the grounds from different angles. They are already having dinner from a baobab tree or they are enjoying the fresh grass together with the impalas. From time to time we have to duck our heads because storks, which have discovered the savannah for themselves, are on their way to their nests with big branches close above us.  

We are informed expertly about the African inhabitants and are allowed to touch the "sting" of a porcupine, while we learn how they can defend themselves against large predators. Impressive! A look into the nursery of the naked mole rats shows us that not only big animals inhabit the Lewa savannah.  What a hustle and bustle ...  There is also a lot going on with the meerkats because the offspring is practicing digging around the enclosure. 

Next door at the Ubele Kiosk we all meet again for an aperitif after the guided tours. Thanks to the perfect organization of Claudia Haas we can refresh ourselves with delicious delicacies and cool drinks and celebrate a reunion with friends after the long Corona break, have great conversations or make plans for the next Galápagos trip - all in front of this unique scenery. Time just flies by. The other guests were just as excited as I was. A great event and on top of that finally "live" again. I am already looking forward to the next opportunity in September! Merci for this wonderful evening! 

4. August 2022

Doris Hölling