Berlin Zoo

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• Elephant Gate Berlin Zoo

• Entrance Berlin Zoo

• A hippopotamus eats hay and lettuce during a feeding session at the zoo.

• A young panda plays behind a pane of glass in the indoor enclosure at Berlin Zoo.

• Visitors walk through a green area of the Berlin Zoological Garden.

The Berlin Zoological Garden is Germany's oldest zoo and features one of the most comprehensive collections of species in the world.

From tiny ants to giant elephants - 1200 species live at Zoo Berlin. Thanks to this diversity, it is considered the most species-rich zoo in the world. Two entrances, which are small works of art in themselves, lead into an exciting world full of different animals from all over the world. The animal enclosures are located in the open air, but also in numerous lovingly designed houses such as the Panda Garden, the Rhino Pagoda or the Antelope House. In the nocturnal animal house, visitors can immerse themselves in the world of animals that otherwise only move in the dark. Feeding sessions with commentary take place several times a day. If you would like to know more about the zoo's animals, you can take part in themed tours. Tours in sign language are also offered.

Aquarium Berlin: From sharks to poisonous snakes

A special part of the zoo is the Aquarium, which can be visited either with a combined ticket together with the zoo or individually. Even if the name doesn't suggest it: The aquarium not only contains aquariums with fish such as sharks and rays, but also numerous terrariums with other animals. You can see ants, poisonous snakes and frogs and much more. The highlight is the glass tropical hall.

The Zoo offers more than just animal enclosures

But it's not just the animals that inspire visitors to Zoo Berlin: the ancient trees and old buildings make a visit even more worthwhile. There are also exciting playgrounds on the grounds where all age groups can have fun. A gastronomic offer ensures that young and old zoo guests are supplied with enough energy for a long day at the zoo.

History of the Berlin Zoological Garden

Zoo Berlin was opened on August 1, 1844 as Germany's first zoo. The initiative for its foundation goes back to the naturalist Alexander von Humboldt, and Martin Lichtenstein. In 1913, the aquarium designed by behavioral scientist Oskar Heinroth was added. By the beginning of the Second World War, around 4000 animals were living in the zoo. By then, many enclosures had become increasingly open: Many fences were replaced by moats. During the National Socialist regime, Jewish members of the supervisory board were ousted. The zoo was the scene of several Nazi propaganda events. During the Second World War, Berlin Zoo suffered massive damage and most of the animals died in their enclosures. In the following years, several buildings were reconstructed. During the division of Germany - the zoo is located in the west - the Tierpark is opened in the eastern part of Berlin in 1955.

Polar bear Knut made the Zoo internationally famous

From the 1970s onwards, the zoo became more involved in breeding rare animal species. The zoo made it into the international media with the birth of the little polar bear Knut in 2006. In the following years, the zoo placed ever greater emphasis on species-appropriate animal husbandry, species protection, research and the sustainable use of resources. Another animal highlight of the zoo are the two pandas Jiao Qing and Meng Meng, who have been living at the zoo since 2017. They have now become parents for a second time.

Information

• Address:
  Hardenbergplatz 8
  10787 Berlin
  City map
• Internet: www.zoo-berlin.de/en
• Opening Hours: January 1 to February 26: from 9 am till 4:30 pm ; February 27 to March 25: from 9 am till 6 pm ; March 26 to September 24: from 9 am till 6:30 pm ; September 25 to October 28: from 9 am till 6 pm; October 29 to December 31: from 9 am till 4:30 pm ; December 24: from 9 am till 2 pm
• Accessibility: Large parts of the Berlin Zoo are barrier-free.
• Admission Fee:
  Adults between € 16 and € 25, children (4-15 years) between € 7.50 and € 12.50, children up to 3 years free of charge
• Tours: Several guided tours available, including special tours for deaf and blind visitors.