Berlin Tierpark Tierpark Berlin news 2020

It looks really nice in concept but I'm concerned it could end up looking tacky and fake in actuality.

I very much suspect it will :( the Mountain region of Tierpark Berlin is one of the parts *least* in need of being completely overhauled and changed into a tacky overthemed mess of mock-rock and shoehorned cultural appropriation a la Hannover; the existing enclosures are all large and good quality, the species selection is extremely choice whilst allowing the inhabitants plenty of space and not cramming them in, and it generally speaking is one of my favorite parts of the zoo.

Funny thing..... guess who was the person responsible for turning Hannover *into* said tacky overthemed mess, and who has openly said he views his achievements there as the model for where he wants to take Tierpark Berlin?
 
I very much suspect it will :( the Mountain region of Tierpark Berlin is one of the parts *least* in need of being completely overhauled and changed into a tacky overthemed mess of mock-rock and shoehorned cultural appropriation a la Hannover; the existing enclosures are all large and good quality, the species selection is extremely choice whilst allowing the inhabitants plenty of space and not cramming them in, and it generally speaking is one of my favorite parts of the zoo.

Funny thing..... guess who was the person responsible for turning Hannover *into* said tacky overthemed mess, and who has openly said he views his achievements there as the model for where he wants to take Tierpark Berlin?
Worrying, the whole area was definitely one of my favourites when I visited back in 2018 too. Good species choice with large exhibits. No themeing, and it wasn't necessary! Either way, I hope it ends up being not too bad but hopes don't usually become reality anyway.
 
Apart from the mock rock added in the spotted hyaena enclosure, I really liked the small modifications implemented recently at Tierpark Berlin. It definitely enhances the visitor experience without impacting space dedicated to animals which is the main criticism I would have towards more Erlebnis like zoos. Of course, we might lose the raw aspect of some installations but I do not feel it is a miss as long as they keep space and simplicity. The refurbishment of the great raptor aviary is in my opinion a good example where they did a good job at enhancing an installation from visitor's perspective without affecting what makes it great for animals.

However, I agree with you that the mountain part is definitely not the one that needs the more urgent refurbishment.

If I remember well the masterplan, I think the white-lipped deer exhibit (maybe gorals and arkal enclosure as well) were planned to be dedicated to a new parking areas and for a third entrance.
One could hope that the deers stay in the area, either socialized with bharals or replacing European hoofstock which are planned for the historical deer sector close to the main entrance.
 
Apart from the mock rock added in the spotted hyaena enclosure, I really liked the small modifications implemented recently at Tierpark Berlin. It definitely enhances the visitor experience without impacting space dedicated to animals which is the main criticism I would have towards more Erlebnis like zoos. Of course, we might lose the raw aspect of some installations but I do not feel it is a miss as long as they keep space and simplicity. The refurbishment of the great raptor aviary is in my opinion a good example where they did a good job at enhancing an installation from visitor's perspective without affecting what makes it great for animals.

However, I agree with you that the mountain part is definitely not the one that needs the more urgent refurbishment.

If I remember well the masterplan, I think the white-lipped deer exhibit (maybe gorals and arkal enclosure as well) were planned to be dedicated to a new parking areas and for a third entrance.
One could hope that the deers stay in the area, either socialized with bharals or replacing European hoofstock which are planned for the historical deer sector close to the main entrance.

The White-lipped Deer will move to an on-show enclosure, the plan is to mix them with Kiang and Yak (not sure that is a good idea though....)

Generally I think that Knieriem and his team have managed to improve the Tierpark (probably best in turning public sentiment around), but the near complete abandonment of the bird department (currently not even a curator...) is baffling to me, especially as all the enclosures and waterfowl dotted around did live up the atmosphere...
 
but the near complete abandonment of the bird department (currently not even a curator...) is baffling to me, especially as all the enclosures and waterfowl dotted around did live up the atmosphere...

Well, the same happened at Hannover as I recall :p
 
Why did the Tierpark's waterfowl collection shrunk so bad?
I realised it when visiting Köln, Tierpark used to have a comparable duck collection, at least something far more exciting than now, what happened?
 
Why did the Tierpark's waterfowl collection shrunk so bad?
I realised it when visiting Köln, Tierpark used to have a comparable duck collection, at least something far more exciting than now, what happened?

A combination of natural predators, disinterest from the management and a ban on pinioning birds.
 
A combination of natural predators, disinterest from the management and a ban on pinioning birds.
They have not yet replaced their bird curator I believe after the last one went into retirement earlier in the year.

I would wish that Tierpark Berlin regulars and pass holders would make public complaints about the lack of interest and that management should make serious mends.
 
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