Zoo Zajac in Duisburg: Insolvency registered - what happens now?

Today is December 28, 2024. Zoo Zajac GmbH in Duisburg has filed for bankruptcy. The application to open insolvency proceedings was submitted on December 23, 2024. Sarah Wolf was appointed preliminary insolvency administrator.

Zoo Zajac is considered the world's largest pet shop with an area of ​​13,000 square meters. Around 200,000 animals are housed in the shop, mainly fish and reptiles. In addition, there is a petting zoo with chickens, geese and ducks. Despite the bankruptcy registration, the insolvency administrator Sarah Wolf emphasizes that business operations run without restrictions. The professional care of the animals is also secured over the holidays.

causes of bankruptcy and personnel matters

The reasons for bankruptcy include drastically increased purchase prices, high transport costs, increased energy costs and failed credit negotiations for interim financing. Around 150 employees of the company receive bankruptcy money from the Federal Employment Agency. The search for an investor for Zoo Zajac is in full swing because there is a possibility of renovation. A structured investor process is sought.

The bankruptcy of Zoo Zajac is part of a larger trend in Germany because many companies suffer from high energy costs. In November 2024, the number of applicable regular insolvencies increased by 12.6 %compared to the previous year. The growth rate of the bankruptcies has been in the double -digit range since June 2023, with the exception of June 2024, in which an increase of 6.3 % was recorded. According to DIHK expert Marc Evers, almost every third company await 2025 worse business.