Baby Orangutan and Centennial Elephant - NRW's Animals of the Year 2025 - Germany’s wild week: Escapes, births and an elephant’s legendary leap
This week saw a mix of unusual animal stories across Germany. From daring escapes to heartwarming births, zoos and unexpected places became the centre of attention. Some incidents left experts baffled, while others marked emotional milestones for long-standing animal residents.
In Wuppertal, the city remembered a bizarre event from 75 years ago. Tuffi, a young circus elephant, famously jumped from the suspended monorail into the Wupper River below—and survived. The incident remains one of the most unusual in the city’s history.
The week’s events highlighted both the resilience and vulnerability of animals in unusual situations. Zoos marked significant moments, from births to farewells, while unexpected encounters on roads and trains left many questions unanswered. Authorities continue to stress safety, especially when animals are involved in human activities.
