Starting signal for the 19th Tiger Bike Tour: Together for the Eberswalde Zoo!

Starting signal for the 19th Tiger Bike Tour: Together for the Eberswalde Zoo!

On June 11, 2025, a celebratory event began in the Eberswalde Zoological Garden, marking the start of the 19th Tiger Cycle Tour. Around 300 enthusiastic participants gathered that day to prepare for the adventure ahead. Zoo director Paulina Ostrowska and former zoo director Dr. Bernd Hensch present. Both presented the competition jerseys to the cyclists and emphasized the importance of team spirit and cohesion. Dr. Hensch also thanked the organizational team as well as the numerous helpers, supporters and sponsors for their commitment, which is essential for the success of this event.

The tiger bike tour itself, which is organized under the patronage of the Association of Friends and Supporters of the Eberswalde Zoological Garden e.V., has become a fixture in the region's event calendar since its first edition in 2006. In recent years, this annual event has raised between 55,000 and 58,000 euros for the zoo, which represents enormous support for securing animal populations and expanding the zoo's infrastructure. 100% of the money collected flows directly into the Eberswalde Zoological Garden and thus also promotes the quality of life of the animals.

A sporting event with social commitment

The tiger bike tour itself will start on June 28, 2025 in two selectable route lengths of 100 km and 200 km. The tour manager Manuel Schultze provided information about organizational details, safety and hygiene rules as well as the exciting route that will meander through the picturesque landscape around Eberswalde. Participation is under the motto “fair play” and is intended to promote peaceful coexistence between participants this year too. The sporting ambition of the cyclists, combined with the goal of supporting the zoo, makes the event a remarkable event for the entire region.

In the previous edition in 2024, the organizational team was able to collect a total of 57,000 euros for Eberswalde Zoo with good weather and a good atmosphere. This shows how important financial support is for the animal shelter and underlines the importance of the tiger bike tour as a highlight of the zoo's support work. The connections that are created here are not only important for the animals, but also strengthen the community of participants, helpers and supporters.

The role of zoos in Germany

With its diverse range of animal species and first-class care, the Eberswalde Zoological Garden contributes to Germany being one of the countries with the most zoos and animal parks in the world. Around a third of Germans visit a zoo every year, and the animal parks are very popular, especially among families. Particularly well-known are the Berlin Zoo, Hellabrunn in Munich and Hagenbeck in Hamburg, which are among the most visited. The large number of zoos actively contribute to education and the protection of biodiversity, which is further promoted by events such as the tiger bike tour.

The tiger bike tour not only makes a contribution to sporting and social cohesion, but also directly supports the valuable work that is done in zoos like Eberswalder. Every participant, every sponsor and every helper is part of this great project that combines team spirit and environmental protection.