Insolvency causes shock: Zoo Zajac in front of the end in Duisburg!

Insolvency causes shock: Zoo Zajac in front of the end in Duisburg!

The Zoo Zajac in Duisburg, known as the largest pet shop in the world, filed for bankruptcy on February 3, 2025. The company is currently fighting with considerable financial challenges, which have been reinforced by a number of unfortunate circumstances. In particular, the property on which the Zoo Zajac is located was sold, which also questions the future of the company. Rheinische Grundbesitz AG plans to convert the site into a modern business park, which leads to an insecure perspective for the pet shop, Mercury reports.

Zoo Zajac offers impressive 3,000 animal species on around 13,000 square meters, including exotic snakes, tarantulas, fish, birds, rabbits and guinea pigs. In addition, the business sells a variety of accessories that ranges from dog leash to pond plants. The company gained nationwide awareness, not least because of the protests of animal rights activists against trading in dog puppies, according to WDR.

economic difficulties and bankruptcy

The economic situation of the Zoo Zajac has deteriorated dramatically in the past few months. After the death of the company's founder Norbert Zajac, the successors not only face the sunken sales, but also confronted with significantly increased prices for purchasing goods, transport and energy. In addition, new regulations on animal husbandry violate the company's cost structure. These challenges culminated in failed credit negotiations for intermediate financing, which finally triggered the application for bankruptcy.

The Duisburg District Court has approved a temporary bankruptcy proceedings in response to the submitted documents. Lawyer Sarah Wolf von Anchor Rechtsanwälte was appointed preliminary insolvency administrator. She intends to support the team in the renovation of the company. The salaries of the 150 employees are secured by bankruptcy money during this difficult phase and the company should continue to run, reports WDR.

The future of Zoo Zajac

The uncertainty about the future of Zoo Zajac remains. In the coming days, a potential investor will be actively sought to support the company. Despite the challenges, it is unclear how the situation will develop, especially since the zoo generated sales of up to 15 million euros at peak times during the Corona pandemic.

The closure of the pet shop would not only mean the loss of thousands of animals, but also the end of a company that is an important point of contact for many animal lovers in Germany. The coming days will be decisive for the future of the Zoo Zajac and its impressive variety of animals.

For further information about bankruptcies in Germany, visit the page of the Federal Statistical Office .