European (Tea)Cup - League C - Zoo Berlin vs Cologne

Zoo Berlin vs Cologne - AFRICA

  • Zoo Berlin 5/0 Cologne

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Zoo Berlin 4/1 Cologne

    Votes: 1 4.8%

  • Zoo Berlin 3/2 Cologne

    Votes: 20 95.2%

  • Cologne 3/2 Zoo Berlin

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Cologne 4/1 Zoo Berlin

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Cologne 5/0 Zoo Berlin

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Total voters
    21
  • Poll closed .
TeaLovingDave

TeaLovingDave

Moderator
Staff member
15+ year member
We have reached the penultimate League C match, and both contenders still have everything to play for - and the field of battle upon which they have found themselves is the category of AFRICA.

I hope for plenty of vibrant discussion and debate over the coming days - and certainly think there is plenty of scope for this to happen!
 
This seems pretty close to me, both have excellent collections but Cologne might just beat out Berlin exhibit wise. I'll refrain from voting for now and wait to see what people say.
 
This, I reckon, is a category in which both collections have massive strengths *and* distinct weaknesses - but I think Berlin might scrape ahead on the grounds of both exhibit quality and breadth of collection, with particular highlights including a hippopotamus exhibit which I would argue is superior to the Cologne equivalent, a wide range of relevant bird exhibits in the Bird House, the Pheasantry and elsewhere, and a significantly greater number of relevant hoofstock exhibits than is found at Cologne.

For now, I think I will start things off with a 3:2 vote for Berlin pending further discussion!
 
Keeping in mind it's been years since I last went to Cologne, I have to give this to Berlin. There's three places in mind when I think of "African Animals in Berlin" - the Hippo house, the Giraffe house and the largest exhibit of that one section over the bridge. Berlin's hippo house is one of the best I've ever seen and, whilst Cologne's certainly isn't bad, I do like Berlin's better. I know Cologne doesn't have the giraffe house anymore, but even when it did, I just liked Berlin's better, combined with the novelty of a European rarity in the Southern Gerenuk. Finally, that exhibit over the bridge is a nice little take on the African Savannah mixed exhibit, including comparatively rare Springboks. Add on other factors like the bird collection (a reminder that about 1/4 of the Bird House is dedicated to African wildlife) and Berlin pretty much takes it.

Cologne definitely isn't without its merits, though. Its ape house is superior to Berlin's, and with both Bonobos and Western Gorillas, that's a key point. So, I'm gonna say 3/2 for now.
 
I visited Berlin in 2017 and Cologne in 2018 so had to check ZTL as I know some species have been lost since then.
On mammals Berlin smashes it for quantity 40-15.
Rarities for Berlin (not at Cologne) are Hamlyns monkey, Springbok , Springhare, Gerenuk and Yellow Backed Duiker. Cologne has no real mammal rarities but still has Black Rhino, no Giraffe currently though?
Exhibit wise, not much between the two for African mammals but Cologne's Bonobo exhibit was much better than Berlin's cage which I remember thinking was pretty awful.
Both have good Hippo exhibits but Berlin's shades it , largely as Cologne's outdoors was very ordinary.
 
The hippo house in Berlin seems very impressive, but the old giraffe house seems very old and not too great for the animals from photos online. Does it look better in person?
 
AnActualFan said:
The hippo house in Berlin seems very impressive, but the old giraffe house seems very old and not too great for the animals from photos online. Does it look better in person?
Click to expand...
Whilst it's far from the best giraffe house I've seen, it's still pretty sizable. Admittedly, I've always seen the giraffes outside when I've visited, and the only animals I've seen indoors are the hornbill and gerenuk.
 
Considering the fact that both collections are well-known and widely-visited by Zoochatters - unlike some of the other slower matches - I am somewhat surprised that there has been so little discussion and relatively few votes so far!

In the hope of spurring discussion and participation - to those currently sitting the match out, what questions or points would you like further information on?
 
Well, there's definitely their ape house - Western Gorillas, Bonobos and Bornean Orangutans, the former two of which qualify for this discussion. It was one of the highlights of my visit for sure.
 
Participation and arguments are a bit low because there seems to be a consensus: everyone acknowledges that both zoos have great strengths in this category, as well as some weaknesses. However, Berlin Zoo, with its stellar collection and beautiful historic architecture, should be the winner. It's not a landslide victory; a 3-2 win for Berlin is sufficient. When everyone can live with the general consensus, there is less discussion and less need for persuasion.
 
TeaLovingDave said:
Considering the fact that both collections are well-known and widely-visited by Zoochatters - unlike some of the other slower matches - I am somewhat surprised that there has been so little discussion and relatively few votes so far!

In the hope of spurring discussion and participation - to those currently sitting the match out, what questions or points would you like further information on?
Click to expand...

I can only speak for myself but I find the cup going a little too fast for my liking. Working during the week sometimes makes me just forget about it.
 
AnActualFan said:
The hippo house in Berlin seems very impressive, but the old giraffe house seems very old and not too great for the animals from photos online. Does it look better in person?
Click to expand...

The giraffe house is like one of the true treasures of the Berlin Zoo. It is old but stunning, and it is a landmark for those who love historical architecture.For me, it just gives Berlin an extra point in this contest. But agree that in terms of animal welfare there are far better giraffe houses.
 
Philipine eagle said:
I can only speak for myself but I find the cup going a little too fast for my liking. Working during the week sometimes makes me just forget about it.
Click to expand...

There will be a bit of a breather soon, as I am travelling to the continent in a little over a week - just after the initial league stages end.

I'm thinking of doing some low-stakes matches for fun whilst away, on a "when I have the time" schedule, before resuming the semi-finals when I get home :) I was already thinking that official matches should be a bit more spaced out when they resume in any case, but if people think it will increase overall enthusiasm and participation I'll definitely do so.
 
I just did a recap to see what was left... the final match of League C, considering which zoos haven't faced off yet and what the remaining category is, is going to be insane.
 
A fairly pivotal match, which ensured the progression of not one but *two* collections into the next round:

Zoo Berlin - 64/105 points - 60.952%
Cologne - 41/105 points - 39.948%

Once the final match in this league has occurred, there is a very interesting story to be told about the importance of every vote.....
 
TeaLovingDave said:
A fairly pivotal match, which ensured the progression of not one but *two* collections into the next round:

Zoo Berlin - 64/105 points - 60.952%
Cologne - 41/105 points - 39.948%

Once the final match in this league has occurred, there is a very interesting story to be told about the importance of every vote.....
Click to expand...
If only 3 qualify from each group Cologne must be out as it has only one 2 matches and 3 others in the group have won 3 or more!
 
pipaluk said:
If only 3 qualify from each group Cologne must be out as it has only one 2 matches and 3 others in the group have won 3 or more!
Click to expand...

You misunderstand my point somewhat - the result of this match not only ensured that Berlin will progress, but *also* ensured that Beauval will progress :p had the result gone the other direction, a route still existed by which the latter collection could have gone out, depending on the result of the final League C match in a few days time.

This general subject also has a bearing on my other remark in the above post, incidentally!
 
Sorry for misunderstanding. Incidentally had Berlin lost this match it would have been in a desperate last match fight needing to win a match it will probably struggle in!
 
pipaluk said:
Sorry for misunderstanding. Incidentally had Berlin lost this match it would have been in a desperate last match fight needing to win a match it will probably struggle in!
Click to expand...

Would it, though? Given what the final match-up is, I'd say Berlin has a really sizable chance, even considering the circumstances.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top