The Zoologische Gesellschaft Frankfurt von 1858 e.V. is the German association within the international Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS) network. It pursues two objectives: conserving biodiversity worldwide and supporting Zoo Frankfurt.
From our headquarters in Frankfurt, we support the conservation work of our teams in our program countries, help shape the strategic direction of the international FZS network, and coordinates collaboration across the organization.
This work is funded through donations, membership fees, legacy gifts, public funding, and income generated by the Foundation Help for Threatened Wildlife.
The German Association at a Glance
Founded 1950
3,430 Members (2025)
47 million euros invested in conservation (2025)
About 1,000 staff worldwide
Registered nonprofit association
Headquarters in Frankfurt, Germany
Organisation and Leadership
Executive Board & Executive Management
The association is headquartered at Zoo Frankfurt. In 2025, it had 3,430 members, including both individuals and institutions. Its governing bodies are the Executive Board and the General Assembly.
Since 2000, biologist Dr. Christof Schenck has served as Executive Director, appointed by the Executive Board. Klaus Becker has been President of the association since 2014.
Executive Board & Foundation Council
The German association is governed by an Executive Board, whose members are elected and discharged by the General Assembly. The Board consists of up to eight members, each serving a four-year term. It approves the annual program, budget, and financial management proposed by the Executive Director. All members of the Executive Board serve on a voluntary basis.
The Executive Board also appoints the members of the Foundation Council of our supporting foundation, the Foundation Help for Threatened Wildlife.
Funding & Foundation
Foundation, Public Funding, and Donations
In 2025, we invested about 47 million euros in conservation. This funding came from the Foundation Help for Threatened Wildlife, as well as from public funding, legacy gifts, donations, and membership fees.
Our annual financial statements are audited by independent external auditors. Detailed information about our finances and how we use our funds is published in our Annual Reports.
There are many ways to support our work – by making a donation, becoming a member, sponsoring a conservation project, or leaving a legacy gift to the Zoologische Gesellschaft Frankfurt von 1858 e.V..
History
1858 - 1950 - 1958
The roots of the Zoologische Gesellschaft Frankfurt von 1858 e.V. trace back to 1858, when citizens of Frankfurt founded the original Zoological Society to establish Zoo Frankfurt. That original society no longer exists.
The present-day association was founded in 1950 as a friends’ association supporting the zoo. In 1958, it resumed the historic name “Zoologische Gesellschaft Frankfurt.” Over the following decades, the association evolved into today’s international Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS).
Frequently asked Questions
In 1858, citizens of Frankfurt founded the original Zoological Society as a joint-stock company to establish Zoo Frankfurt. In 1915, the company declared bankruptcy, and the City of Frankfurt assumed responsibility for the zoo. The original Zoological Society, founded in 1858, no longer exists. Only its historic name lives on in today’s organization.
The present-day association was founded in 1950 as the Gesellschaft der Freunde und Förderer des Zoologischen Gartens e.V. (Society of Friends and Supporters of the Zoological Garden) to help rebuild and support the zoo after World War II. In 1958, the association was renamed Zoologische Gesellschaft Frankfurt, restoring the historic name.
The Zoologische Gesellschaft Frankfurt von 1858 e.V. is governed by an Executive Board. Day-to-day operations are led by the Executive Director.
Yes. As a member of the Zoologische Gesellschaft Frankfurt von 1858 e.V., you provide long-term support for our conservation work and become part of a community committed to protecting wildlife and their habitats.
Learn more about membership and the different ways to support our work on our Membership page.
The Zoologische Gesellschaft Frankfurt von 1858 e.V. is the German registered association headquartered in Frankfurt am Main. It is part of the international Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS) network and provides central support for our global conservation work.
In many of our program countries, FZS is also represented by independent nonprofit organizations or regional offices. They work closely with government agencies, local communities, and partner organizations, providing the legal and organizational foundation for effective, long-term conservation on the ground.
Zoo Frankfurt and the Zoologische Gesellschaft Frankfurt von 1858 e.V. share a common goal: conserving biodiversity and protecting threatened species. Zoo Frankfurt is owned and operated by the City of Frankfurt. The conservation work of the Frankfurt Zoological Society focuses on protected areas and large wilderness landscapes around the world.
The Zoologische Gesellschaft Frankfurt von 1858 e.V. is a registered nonprofit association under German law.
The Foundation Help for Threatened Wildlife is a charitable foundation established from the donations raised through Bernhard Grzimek’s television program A Place for Animals (Ein Platz für Tiere).
Today, the Foundation provides funding for part of the Frankfurt Zoological Society’s conservation work.