The Federal Congress of the Association of German Clubs for Aquarium and Terrarium Science (VDA) eV will take place from May 8th to May 10th, 2026 in Magdeburg.
Magdeburg, February 12, 2006. Zoo director David Pruß, Ph.D., has been appointed to the Scientific Working Group of the Association of German Aquarium and Terrarium Societies (VDA). “We are delighted to have gained David Pruß, a seasoned expert from the field of animal husbandry, for our Scientific Working Group,” said VDA President Jens Crueger. “Closer collaboration between zoos and private keepers is a top priority for us in the interest of species conservation and environmental education,” Crueger continued.
- The Federal Congress of the Association of German Clubs for Aquarium and Terrarium Science (VDA) eV will take place from May 8th to May 10th, 2026 in Magdeburg.
The 100th VDA General Meeting and Federal Congress of the Association of German Aquarium and Terrarium Societies (VDA) e.V. will take place in Magdeburg, the capital of Saxony-Anhalt, from May 8th to 10th, 2026. Zoo director David Pruß, Ph.D., will address the participants with a welcoming speech.
The Vallisneria Magdeburg Aquarium Society was founded 130 years ago in Magdeburg and is one of the oldest aquarium societies in Germany. Among its most famous members was Dr. Willy Georg Wolterstorff, who was not only the first curator of the Magdeburg Museum of Natural History and Prehistory, but also editor of the journal ” Blätter für Aquarien- und Terrarienkunde” ( Journal for Aquarium and Terrarium Science ) and who created the world’s largest specialized collection of approximately 12,000 specimens of salamanders and amphibians.
For over three decades, starting in 1975, Magdeburg Zoo maintained a close partnership with the Vallisneria Magdeburg Aquarium Society. The annual ornamental fish exchanges held in the zoo’s pachyderm house were legendary and extremely popular. From 1982 until the 1990s, additional ornamental fish exhibitions were held at Magdeburg Zoo, each attracting over 20,000 visitors.
About the Association of German Aquarium and Terrarium Societies (VDA) eV
The Association of German Aquarium and Terrarium Societies (VDA) e.V., founded in 1911, is the oldest and, with over 8,000 members, the largest vivarium association worldwide. The VDA is committed to the proper care of aquarium and terrarium animals, respecting species conservation and animal welfare.
Aquariums and terrariums make a practical contribution to biological science and scientific knowledge. They support sustainable strategies for preserving biodiversity. The VDA (Association of German Aquarists) aims for closer cooperation with institutions such as zoological and botanical gardens, universities and colleges, and (natural history) museums.
The Science Working Group advises the VDA on scientific and technical matters. Furthermore, the Science Working Group acts as a link between the VDA and external institutions.
Event tips (excerpt) at Magdeburg Zoo
- February 14, 2026: Valentine’s Evening at the AFRICAMBO Lodge
- February 28, 2026: AFRICAMBO Evening with the Elephants
Press contact
Zoo Magdeburg – Press Officer
Dipl.-Ing. Regina Jembere
Tel.: 0391 / 28090-2510
E-Mail: zoopresse@zoo-magdeburg.de
Further information and images:
www.zoo-magdeburg.de/pressemeldungen