World's Largest Pet Store Zoo Zajac Closes Permanently After Bankruptcy

The Duisburg-based store, once a global icon for exotic pets, shuts down following financial struggles and the death of its founder, Norbert Zajac.

Zoo Zajac, recognized by Guinness World Records as the largest pet store globally, has permanently closed after filing for bankruptcy earlier this year.
The closure follows the death of its founder, Norbert Zajac, in late 2022, whose leadership and charisma were central to the store's success.
Attempts to revive the business through new ideas and finding investors failed, exacerbated by rising costs and stricter regulations on exotic pet sales.
The store, which once housed 3,000 species and drew millions of online followers, faced criticism from animal rights groups over its sale of exotic animals.
Most of the store's 150 employees have found new jobs, and all remaining animals have been rehomed, according to the insolvency administrator.