The Görlitz Naturschutz-Tierpark (nature conservation zoo) in the southern part of the city is a small but well-maintained zoo specialising in European animals and conservation breeding programmes. Unlike large metropolitan zoos, it focuses on the wildlife of Central Europe — deer, bears, wolves, bison, and birds of prey — and makes a genuine conservation argument for its existence.
The zoo occupies a wooded hillside that gives it a pleasant, park-like character. It is particularly good for children and for anyone interested in the animals of the region's own ecosystem rather than exotic species. The European bison (wisent) herd is one of the highlights; the species was extinct in the wild in the 20th century and was saved through exactly this kind of captive breeding programme.