Elefant, Tiger & Co. (2003)
A beloved German zoo documentary that has been capturing life at Leipzig Zoo — its animals, keepers, and daily dramas — for over two decades.
Elefant, Tiger & Co. - Series Information
- Original Title: Elefant, Tiger & Co.
- First Air Year: 2003
- Last Air Year: 2026
- Created by: Axel Friedrich
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Documentary, Reality
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (25 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 24
- Number of Episodes: 1170
- Status: Returning Series
- Original Language: German
- Spoken Languages: German
- First Air Date: April 1, 2003 (Germany)
- Networks: MDR Fernsehen
- Production Companies: MDR, Ottonia Media GmbH
- Production Countries: Germany
Elefant, Tiger & Co. - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Axel Friedrich
Main Cast
- Christian Steyer
- Jörg Junhold
- Jörg Gräser
- Christoph Urban
- Michael Ernst
- Marco Mehner
- Fabian Schmidt
- Lothar Dudek
- Heiko Schäfer
- Frank Schellhardt
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Elefant, Tiger & Co. - FAQs
What is Elefant, Tiger & Co. about?
Elefant, Tiger & Co. is a German documentary series filmed entirely at Leipzig Zoo. Each episode offers an intimate look at the daily lives of zoo animals, the dedicated keepers who care for them, and the behind-the-scenes challenges of running one of Germany's most visited zoological institutions.
How long has Elefant, Tiger & Co. been running?
The series first aired on April 1, 2003, making it one of the longest-running documentary formats on German television. With over two decades on air, 24 seasons, and more than 1,170 episodes, it remains an active production still broadcasting on MDR Fernsehen as of 2026.
Where is Elefant, Tiger & Co. filmed?
The entire series is filmed on location at Leipzig Zoo in Saxony, Germany. Leipzig Zoo is one of the oldest and most celebrated zoos in the country, and its diverse animal population and modern enclosures provide a rich, ever-changing backdrop for the show's documentary storytelling.
Who are the main people featured in Elefant, Tiger & Co.?
The series regularly features zoo director Jörg Junhold, curator Fabian Schmidt, and a dedicated team of animal keepers including Jörg Gräser, Christoph Urban, Marco Mehner, Lothar Dudek, and Heiko Schäfer. Narrator Christian Steyer provides the voiceover that guides viewers through each episode.
Is Elefant, Tiger & Co. still being made?
Yes, the series is still in active production. It currently holds Returning Series status and continues to air on MDR Fernsehen. Season 24 is underway, confirming that the show remains a cornerstone of the MDR programming schedule more than twenty years after its debut.
What network airs Elefant, Tiger & Co. in Germany?
Elefant, Tiger & Co. airs on MDR Fernsehen, the public broadcaster serving the German states of Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia. The show is produced in partnership with MDR and Ottonia Media GmbH, and has been a flagship documentary offering on the channel since 2003.
What are shows similar to Elefant, Tiger & Co.?
Fans of the series often enjoy other zoo and wildlife documentaries such as Ultimate Zoo, Canine Intervention, and Life in Cold Blood. For broader nature programming, Planet Earth III, Dynasties, and Natural World offer similarly immersive looks at the animal kingdom with high production values.
How many episodes does Elefant, Tiger & Co. have?
The series has accumulated over 1,170 episodes across 24 seasons, plus a collection of 41 special episodes. With each episode running approximately 25 minutes, that represents an extraordinary archive of zoo life — one of the most extensive documentary catalogues dedicated to a single zoological institution anywhere in the world.
More About Elefant, Tiger & Co.
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