The Frankfurt Zoological Society mourns the loss of its Vice President Professor Dr. Manfred Niekisch.
In Memory of Professor Dr. Manfred Niekisch (1951 – 2024)
After a long and serious illness, Professor Niekisch passed away on Monday, November 11th, 2024, at the age of 73. He was director of Frankfurt Zoo from 2008 to 2017. Before, during and after his time as zoo director, the biologist and passionate conservationist was a member of the board of the Frankfurt Zoological Society, serving as vice president since 2008. From 2003 to 2018, he was also a member of the foundation board of the Help for Threatened Wildlife foundation.
He was furthermore active in numerous other voluntary roles, such as on the board of the Bruno H. Schubert Foundation and as president of the Society for Tropical Ecology. From 1998 to 2008, Professor Niekisch taught international nature conservation at the University of Greifswald, and since 2010 he had been a cooperation professor for international nature conservation at the Goethe University Frankfurt.
With the passing of Professor Dr. Manfred Niekisch, we are not only losing a strong voice for the protection of nature, but also a good friend of FZS who was at our side for decades.
Our deepest condolences go to his family and friends.
Dr. Christof Schenck (Executive Director) on behalf of all employees of the Frankfurt Zoological Society and the Help for Threatened Wildlife Foundation