Hamster wall at Leipzig Zoo

On Behalf of	Zoo Leipzig
Period	2025

Educative Exhibition
Scenography

We redesigned the area in front of the hamster enclosure for Leipzig Zoo. Therefore, we developed a scenographic concept with several interactive educative exhibitions and incorporated the surroundings into the planning.

Photograph of the hamster wall taken with a wide-angle lens. It can be seen that the information is displayed on a house wall. The headline reads ‘On the trail of the field hamster’.

A new location, please

Task and Approach

Leipzig Zoo has asked us to redesign the area at the exit of the Discovery Ark. Therefore, we developed a scenographic concept with several educative exhibitions. The existing display container for field hamster breeding and the historic rabbit hutches were deliberately integrated into the design. During implementation, we focused on conveying information in a playful way and actively involving visitors.

Actual image from the right side of the hamster wall.

Image of the information board on field hamster breeding at Leipzig Zoo. The headline reads ‘Through the field hamster burrow with Leipzig Zoo’.

Visuals meet interaction

Our Approach

Between the rabbit hutch and the display container, we created a visual display of the field hamster's habitat, which also incorporates the container's panelling. We also set up interactive information stations that highlight three key topics related to the field hamster. To make more space for the display container, we dismantled part of the rabbit hutch. A media station with touchscreen, sound, and a child-friendly informational video provides further information about the field hamster.

Image of a fold-out information board. The flap is folded up. Inside is the heading ‘At the breeding station’ and a picture of a man can be seen.

Image of a media station on the hamster wall. An orange device surrounds a screen on which a cartoon can be seen. Next to it is written ‘Tammi and the field hamster’. Earphones for listening hang below the screen.

Close-up of the interactive information panels. A hand is holding the panel open. Beneath it is a photo of a man with the caption ‘At the breeding station’. Next to the information panel are other closed panels showing pictures of hamsters, for example.

A cross-section of the field

Our creative implementation

A large cross-section of a field on the container wall reveals both the hamster's underground tunnel systems and its other inhabitants. We implemented many interactive features within the educative exhibitions: a hidden spinning wheel explains the hazards faced by field hamsters, while sliders explain the differences between summer and winter burrows. Explorer flaps provide insights into field hamster breeding at Leipzig Zoo, and a custom-designed coin dispenser makes it possible to collect donations for the species conservation project. The graphic design of the hamsters' nest also offers insights into the nearby enclosure.

Close-up of the slider that conveys information between the hamster's winter and summer habitats.

Photo of the information board about field hamster burrows in winter and summer. The headline reads ‘On the trail of the field hamster’.

A hand moves the slider on a learning station from ‘winter construction’ to ‘summer construction’.

Two hands rest on a turntable attached to the wall. Next to the turntable are recesses in the wall containing information about the European hamster.

The turntable has been rotated and you can see how the information in the recesses rotates with it.

Close-up of an image of a field hamster on the hamster wall. Important information about the animal is displayed around it.

The interactive coin dispenser to support field hamster breeding at Leipzig Zoo.

As quiet as possible

Exceptions and learnings

Since some of the elements are attached directly to the hamster enclosure, it requires consideration during installation. In order not to disturb the animals during day-to-day business at the zoo, we make sure that the interactive elements function as quietly as possible. We have also learned not to use rotating elements with stop mechanisms, as they cannot be secured against vandalism in the long term.