Amur Tiger enclosure with Webnet fencing
Initial situation and concept:
Wilhelma in Stuttgart has been home to Amur Tigers since 1952. This largest cat species on earth weighs up to 300 kilograms and can run at around 50 km/h. Two Siberian tigers will soon be moving back into a new enclosure, which will open in summer 2025.
The landscaped enclosure of around 5000 square meters offers space for up to six animals and consists of three outdoor areas and an indoor area with six compartments. It is designed to be as natural as possible and supports the breeding of the endangered species – according to the guidelines of the EAZA (European Association of Zoos and Aquaria).
Construction and implementation:
Jakob Rope Systems Germany planned and installed the entire fencing for the enclosure and completed it in April 2025. The stainless steel Webnet is used over large areas to build the enclosure.
Before the actual installation, Jakob Rope Systems tested the functionality of the fencing on a test net field using a dynamic pendulum impact test. The pendulum impact test simulated realistic animal impact loads.
- The outer fence is at least 4 m high due to the cats' climbing abilities and is curved towards the enclosure to create an overhang.
- In the lower area, the Webnet is connected to an underground protection structure with movable cable guides. The interconnected fencing system can withstand the impact of an animal without damage.
Jakob products and services:
- Dimensioning and installation of all ropes and stainless steel nets
- Webnet with sleeves, mesh size 80 mm, rope diameter 4 mm, vertical meshes, spectral-dyed
- Total area Webnet 1265 sqm
- 600 m round strand ropes, rope diameter 12 mm, spectral-dyed
- 250 m spiral ropes, rope diameter 10 mm, spectral-dyed
Project partners:
Client: Vermögen und Bau Baden-Württemberg
Design: Vermögen und Bau Baden-Württemberg
Architecture: Mikolajczyk Kessler Kirsten (mkk Architekten Schwerin)
Structural design: knippershelbig GmbH
Metal construction: Roleff GmbH & Co KG
Rope and net structures: Jakob Rope Systems
