Werdum Petting Zoo Festival

A Park, A Festival

For years, the Werdum Petting Zoo has established itself as a destination for families who want to show their children the world of old domestic animal breeds. The park houses typical East Frisian farm animals, petting animals, and birds, and is scenically embedded in the open marsh landscape. The annual Petting Zoo Festival on the last weekend in May opens the park additionally for a celebration that goes far beyond the normal day visit.

Program Between Animals and Play

The festival combines the park's usual offerings with additional hands-on stations: animal guided tours, small demonstrations on animal husbandry, craft activities, sensory stations for children, and expanded catering. This turns the visit into an all-day experience, where adults are also informed about the history of old domestic animal breeds, the importance of breed diversity, and the care of rare populations.

Significance for the Region

Werdum is located in the heart of the East Frisian marsh, a region whose identity is closely linked to agriculture and animal husbandry. The Petting Zoo Festival fulfills an educational function: it shows children where wool, milk, meat, and feathers originally come from, and bridges the gap between agriculture, animal ethics, and family entertainment.

Season Start in Werdum

The date at the end of May marks the unofficial season start in Werdum. This is followed by the Whitsun Concert, Street Festival, Chieftain Festival, and Harvest Festival – a dense event calendar that unfolds its appeal throughout the year. The Petting Zoo Festival sets the first significant accent.