Hello Leipzig: This is how Friday 19 June 2026 begins

The city is concerned. And wants to help prevent the consequences of sunburn (which is the right thing to do). The Regional Court is showcasing Leipzig art for anyone who doesn’t have to leave early (which is interesting). And anyone who wants to see the recently born giraffe calf will have to make an effort (which is justified). All three tips are well worth checking out.

One, two, three, four cornerstones – no longer want to be hidden

Curiosity is raring. On both sides of the fence. Every now and then, the giraffe calf born a few days ago peeks out from behind the planks of its straw-lined enclosure in the Long-Legged House of Leipzig’s African Savannah. And in the public viewing area, visitors lean curiously over the railing. It takes time to catch a glimpse of the newcomer. And patience.

For apart from those sweet, wide eyes with their long lashes, the cheeky little nose – perfect for poking around with its tongue – and the little ears, which still have a few days to go before they start hearing the squabbling of the frantic guinea fowls across the vast expanse of Leipzig Zoo, there’s little else to see of Sipiwe’s little lad, who was apparently born without a hitch during the night leading up to Tuesday.

Arrived from Denmark four years ago: giraffe mum Sipiwe. Photo: Benjamin Weinkauf

The father is the 7-year-old bull Matyas. For the giraffe mum, this is already her second calf since she arrived in Leipzig from Aalborg Zoo in 2022. Before the birth, Sipiwe had been separated from the herd as a precaution so that she could spend the final days of her pregnancy in peace. For now, mother and son are staying in this private enclosure, which can be seen from the visitor level.

Even though we only get to see the little one occasionally – and never in full view – yesterday he was already bounding about so excitedly and curiously that it’s only a matter of time before his world expands. There’s so much to discover in the enclosure. And summer has only just begun. Both his dad and his aunts keep poking their heads over the barrier and seem very interested to see who will be joining their herd.

The little giraffe calf is already great at pulling a face. Photo: Benjamin Weinkauf

City concerned about ‘sun children’

From now on, anyone visiting one of Leipzig’s outdoor swimming pools will be informed at the entrance of the day’s UV radiation levels. Leipzig’s public swimming pools are taking part in a nationwide campaign organised by German Cancer Aid and the Working Group for Dermatological Prevention (ADP), and are gradually fitting their outdoor pools with UV index display boards.

The first of these information boards was installed on Thursday at the Kleinzschocher summer pool (Schleußiger Weg). Further locations are set to follow over the course of the season. The boards display the current UV index, along with recommendations for appropriate sun protection.

In a statement, Sportbäder’s managing director, Martin Gräfe, highlights an often underestimated risk: “UV radiation is a hazard that you can neither see nor feel – yet its effects on health can be significant. That is why we wholeheartedly support the campaign. With the UV index boards, we are raising awareness of an issue that many people underestimate in their daily lives. At the same time, we are focusing not only on our swimmers, young and old, but also on our staff, who work outdoors every day during the open-air swimming season.”

Despite all the care taken, it is ultimately up to the individual to ensure they have the right sun cream with them. You can only lose the battle against the figures on the index boards. Anyone who thinks they’re particularly ‘cool’ will get burnt. With serious consequences, ultimately not just for themselves.

Art instead of a dungeon

Usually a place of judgement on guilt and atonement, a court is being transformed into a museum from today. At 5 pm, the Leipzig Regional Court will open the exhibition ‘OUR ART – a joint exhibition by Ines Adam and Sebastian Luksch’ in the jury courtroom.

The exhibition builds on a tradition that has been established in Saxony for more than 30 years. As early as 1992, the Saxon State Ministry of Justice launched the ‘Art & Justice’ project. The aim is not only to ensure that courts and public prosecutor’s offices are perceived as places of state justice, but also to open them up as publicly accessible spaces for cultural encounters.

On display are older and recent works by two Leipzig-based artists. Whilst, according to the Regional Court, Ines Adam’s work focuses primarily on colour, composition, abstraction, tranquillity and harmony, Sebastian Luksch’s oeuvre is characterised by emotional, often portrait-like paintings and nature motifs.

For many citizens, the building on Harkortstraße is primarily associated with the administration of justice. For a few weeks, the new exhibition will highlight a different perspective: an encounter with art in a place otherwise characterised by the workings of the justice system. The exhibition can be viewed until 31 August 2026 during the court building’s opening hours.