German Zoo Worlds illustrated Zoo Reviews

[German Zoo World]

Zoo Review

I have visited more than 50 different Zoos in Europe and i thought about uploading illustrated Reviews about these European Collections some of which are smaller lesser known Places but also with some famous Zoos every Zoo Nerd knows about. The Reviews are mostly illustrated with my own Photos such as this one from my most recent Vist to Wilhelma Zoo Stuttgart.

Photo made by myself: White crested Laughing Thrush and Temmincks Tragopan at Wilhelma Zoo

 

[German Zoo World]

So lets start with a german Wildlifepark

Zoo/Aquarium 1. Allensbach Wild und Freizeitpark

Last Visit: unfortunatley i do not remember the exact Day
Country: Germany
Exhibits and Houses: Wildlifepark
Notable and rare Species: no rare Species at the Moment other then maybee the Alpine Marmot

Photo made by @snowleopard

This Zoo is a typical german Wildlifepark with european Wildlife. I visited the Zoo as a little Kid so i have little to no Memories of this Wildlifepark and i do not have any Photos of this Collection. The only Thing i do remember was a Brown Bear in a typical Bear Pit begging for Food. If you take a Look on the Map the old Bear Enclosure seems to be still there but the Zoo has build a new larger Enclosure which the Bears share with Arctic Wolves. There are also Lynxes inside a Enclosure which is on the small Side. Typical for most Wildlifeparks here in Germany is the Farmyard with Donkeys, Chickens, Goats and Pot bellied Pigs aswell as several large Hoofstok Enclosures for your typical Red Deer, Fallow Deer and Wild Boar. Aside from the 3 common Wildlifepark must haves the Zoo does also have Alpine Marmot, Alpine Ibex, Sika Deer and European Bison in spacious Enclosures. Last but not least there is also a Bird of Prey Show with Eurasian Eagle Owl, white tailed Sea Eagle, Harris Hawk and other Owls and Birds of Prey. All in all a Wildlifepark with common Species sometimes kept in oldfashioned Enclosures but aside from the large Brown Bear/ Arctic Wolf Enclosure nothing too special for Zoo Enthusiasts.

 

[snowleopard]

Thanks for your first review! That typical German 'wildpark' looks interesting, especially with the mix of wolves and bears. A number of European zoos combine those animals together, but it's practically unheard of in North American collections.

 

[German Zoo World]

Thanks for your first review! That typical German 'wildpark' looks interesting, especially with the mix of wolves and bears. A number of European zoos combine those animals together, but it's practically unheard of in North American collections.

Why is this Mix so unheard of in North American Zoos? Here in Germany are several Zoos with the Bear/Wolf Mix but there have been some incidents like 2013 in Tripsdrill Wildlife a Arctic Wolf was killed by a European Brown Bear during a Keeper Talk.

 

[snowleopard]

Why is this Mix so unheard of in North American Zoos? Here in Germany are several Zoos with the Bear/Wolf Mix but there have been some incidents like 2013 in Tripsdrill Wildlife a Arctic Wolf was killed by a European Brown Bear during a Keeper Talk.

North American zoos are scared of anything that could be remotely dangerous. So many European zoos have primate walk-throughs, or bears with wolves, or great apes with otters, tapirs, binturongs, etc., but all of that is rare in North America.

 

[German Zoo World]

Zoo/Aquarium 2. Augsburg Zoo

Last Visit: 16.06.2022
Country: Germany
Exhibits and Houses: Lion House, Tropical Hall, Walkthrough Bird Aviary, Lech House/Aquarium, Ring tailed Lemur World, Giraffe/Meerkat House, Elephant House, Chimpanzee House, Reptile House, Tiger/Nocturnal House
Notable and rare Species: Webers sailfin Lizard, Red billed Quelea, Brown breasted Barbet, Spectacled Parrotlet, green Woodhoopoe, Crested Bobwhite, Magellanic Penguin, Giant Canada Goose, Rose naped Fruitdove, Scaly breasted Merganser, black necked Grebe, Bengal Slow Loris, Shensi Takin, East caucasian Tur, Striped Hyena, Asia minor spiny Mouse

Southern white Rhinos

Photo made by myself

This is one of the three main Zoos in Bavaria. Unfortunatley the Zoo lost a few Abc Species, so there are currently no African Lions, European Brown Bears and Asian Elephants at the Zoo. But the Zoo has much more to offer with a large Waterfowl Collection, a nice Bird House and a small Nocturnal section inside the Zoos Tiger House. The first Enclosure Visitors see when they enter the Zoo is the empty Lion Habitat. The last Lioness passed away in 2023 and currently there are no Lions at Augsburg Zoo. The next Enclosure is Home to a large colony of Hamadryas Baboons and a small Herd of African forest Buffalos. This was a former White Rhinoceros Enclosure but when the Rhinos moved to their Savannah Enclosure they moved the Baboons in the old Rhino Enclosure and added the Buffalos.

Hamadryas Baboons and African forest Buffalos

Photo made by myself

After the Baboons and Buffalos there is an empty Enclosure that has held Amur Leopard Cats but the last Individual passed away in 2023. A simple Enclosure for a small Herd of Onagers is followed by a nice spacious and lush Enclosure for a Striped Hyena and a Aviary for Scarlet Ibis, Boat billed Herons and others. Now Visitors have reached the Enclosure for a pair of Sumatran Tigers and then they can enter one of the Zoos hidden Gems, the tropical Hall which is a Bird House rather than a true Rainforest Hall. Inside you can find several glass fronted or mesh fronted indoor Aviarys each with a different Continent or Biome Theming. Notable Species of the Tropical Hall include Red billed Quelea, Crested Bobwhite and Brown breasted Barbets and untill 2023 the South american Aviary was even Home to a Ruby topaz Hummingbird. The Bird House does also have an Outdoor Aviary for Spoonbills and Cattle/Little Egrets, some Terraria for Poison dart Frogs and Chameleons, a Eclectus Parrot Enclosure aswell as a second outdoor Aviary for Chinese Bamboopartridge and Swinhoes striped Squirrel.

interior of the Bird House

Photo made by @Philipine eagle

Next to the Bird House is a walkthrough Aviary with various Species of native Shorebirds and Waterfowl aswell as Temmincks Tragopan and a small Flock of Inca Tern. On the other side of the Path Visitors can find three Enclosures for marine Mammals and Penguins. The first of said Enclosures is a full concrete South african fur Seal Enclosure. There are only 3 or 4 Seals but stil i think the Enclosure should be larger and better espacialy because the Enclosure was only opened 2007. Inside the second Enclosure you can find the rare Magellanic Penguin inside a naturalistic Enclosure with a shallow Pool. The third Enclosure is viewed from the historic Goggelesbridge which acts as a viewing plattform of the Harbour Seal Enclosure. Near the Marine Mammal/Penguin section Visitors can find a Aviary for Bearded Capuchin, a Shedd Enclosure for Monk Parakeet and southern three banded Armadillo aswell as simple Yards for Brown noased Coatis and Maned Wolfs. Now Visitors reach the Pond section of Augsburg Zoo with many naturalistic Ponds that are Home to a large Waterfowl Collection. The first one is the largest and is Home to a large Flock of Greater Flamingo that can be seen all year round because Visitors can see the Birds in their indoor Enclosure.

To be continued.....

 

[German Zoo World]

Zoo/Aquarium 2. Augsburg Zoo part 2

Next to the Flamingo Pond are two simple Yards, the first one for the impressive Water Buffalo and the second is a standard mixed Australia Enclosure for Cape barren Goose, Emu and of course Bennetts Wallaby. Now Visitors reach more Pond Enclosures and this Water flows through several Enclosures. The Water starts in a simple but very lush Enclosure for Red crowned Crane. Then it flows in a large Waterfowlenclosure which is also Home to White Stork. After them Visitors can go inside the Lech House/Aquarium, inside this Building there are three Tanks with native Fishes like Brown Trout or Tench but there are also two indoor Enclosures for native Mammals. Their outdoor Enclosures are the next Enclosures where the Water is connected to the other above mentioned Enclosures. The two native Mammals are Eurasian river Otters and Beavers that are found in natural, lush and spacious Enclosures.

Lech House and Eurasian river Otter Enclosure

Photo made by @Philipine eagle

On the other side of the Path are the Mountain Enclosures or should i say the Mountain Enclosure then one of the three is empty and the rare Eastern caucasian Turs cannot be seen because their Enclosure is for some Reason blocked off for Visitors. The only visable Mountain Enclosure is a fake mock rock Mountain for Alpine Ibex. The Zoo wants to build a new Himalayan Complex but lets hope they add some Hoofstok to the nearly confirmed Red Pandas and Snow Leopards. Next to the Ibex Mountain/future Himalaya Exhibit Visitors pass by a quite old fashioned Mandrill Island and arrive at the Ring tailed Lemur World a very lush Walkthrough for Ring tailed Lemur and Black Lemur. On the other Side of the Path there is a Continuation of the Pond Enclosures. The next Pond Enclosure is Home to various Species of Geese, Great Cormorant and even surplus Reeves Muntjac. Now Visitors can already see the White Rhino sepperation Yard and the Pelican Enclosure which is for booth Eastern white and Dalmatian Pelican which can also be seen in their indoor Enclosure. After the Pelicans which are in the last of the Pond Enclosures Visitors can see the former European brown Bear Enclosure which is currently empty but this is a good Thing as the Enclosure was badly outdated and is in need of refurbishment. A Owl Aviary with Great grey Owl and now also Brown wood Owl is followed by a lush Aviary for various Duck Species. The Capybaras in the next Enclosure live inside the former Lesser Flamingo Enclosure. Inside the Giraffe House which is the next Building Visitors can enter, there are the indoor Enclosures for their Reticulated and Rotschilds Giraffe aswell as the indoor and outdoor slender tailed Meerkat Enclosures. A large Enclosure can be viewed from the Cafe Halftime the Zoos first Restaurant. This spacious and naturalistic Enclosure is Home to the endangered Forest Reindeer. Another spacious Hufstook Enclosure is for asian Ungulates. Shensi Takins and more Reeves Muntjacs share this Enclosure and the Muntjacs have a sepperation Enclosure where they can retreat from the Takins. Only opened in 2020 the new Elephanthouse is already with out any Elephants as for some Reason Luise and Frosja the Asian Elephants leaved the Zoo in 2023 towards Sofia Zoo. But the Elephant House is not empty of Animals then Star Tortoise, Green Water Dragon and Asia minor spiny Mouse can also be found here.

Former Asian Elephant indoor Enclosure and Star Tortoise Enclosure

Photo made by @Philipine eagle

To be continued....

 

[German Zoo World]

Zoo/Aquarium 2. Augsburg Zoo part 3

One of the Highlghts at Augsburg is the African Savannah. There are three different Enclosures that are sepperated by small water filled Moats. For some Reason these Enclosures are split up instead of being one large Enclosure. Unfortunatley these Savannah does not have any Antelope Species which would fit in there very well. The first Enclosure on the Savannah is Home to a Herd of Grevys Zebra. The central Enclosure is for their Reticulated/Rothschilds Giraffe and the third and largest one is the Rhino Savannah which is Home to Southern ground Hornbill, African Ostrich and of course a breeding Herd of Southern white Rhinos. This is one of the best Enclosures at the Zoo it is spacious, naturalistic but the Rhinos are most of the Time directly near the Visitor Path.

Rhino Savannah

Photo made by myself

On the other Side of the Path is the former Asian Elephant Enclosure and then Visitors can see the old Elephant Enclosure but booth Enclosures are currently empty. The old Elephant House is the next Building Visitors can enter, inside there are two small Mammal Terraria for Harvester Mouse and short eared Elephant Shrew aswell as a nocturnal Enclosure for a zoological Rarity the Bengal slow Loris. Inside of the old Elephant House there is also one of the worst Enclosures at Augsburg Zoo. Their Chimpanzees live inside a tiny indoor and extremly small outdoor Enclosure, and yes i know the Chimps are elderly and the Enclosure was only recently netted over and more climbing Space was added to the Enclosure but stil i think this is badly outdated. While the Chimpanzee Enclosure is badly outdated, the Reptile House which Visitors can enter next is a nice modern House, the Ecotherms including Green tree Python, Webers sailfin Lizard and Rough necked Monitor are housed in spacious, large and lush Terraria. Outside of the Reptile House are two spacious Teraria for native Snakes including European Adder. A pond with European pond Turtles and Palaudaria for Salamanders and Newts are also found next to the Reptile House and the second Zoo Restaurant.

Webers sailfin Lizard

Photo made by myself

Now Visitors pass by the Ostrich sepperation Enclosure and after them they walk past three spacious Yards. The first of them does also have indoor viewing and is the smallest of the three Yards, its Inhabitants are African spurred Tortoise. The second Yard is Home to your standard Greater Rhea/Alpaca mix and the last one was on my Visit Home to Nilgai but since the last Individuals passed away they replaced them with a small Herd of Blackbuck, they are currently the only Antelope Species at the Zoo. Leopards often get small and cramped Enclosures in many Zoos and sadly Augsburgs Sri Lankan Leopard Enclosure is no Exception. On my Visit the Enclosure was empty but in 2023 new Leopards arrived at the Zoo. Inside of the next Building the Tiger/Nocturnal House you can not only find the indoor Enclosures of booth Sri Lankan Leopard and Sumatran Tiger, Visitors can also find a mixed South American Enclosure with Grey winged Trumpeter, Goeldis Monkey and Azaras Agouti aswell as a small Nocturnal area with Douroucouli, Bushbaby and Sugar Glider. Last but not least Visitors arrive at the Lion House but it is with out any Lions. Their empty indoor Enclosure can stil be viewed but the main Reason to go inside the former Lion House is to view the Zoos Fennec Fox which also have a small but lush outdoor Enclosure aswell as to View the indoor Enclosure of the Striped Hyena which is also found in the Lion House. This Zoo does mainly have good and natural looking Enclosures but with the Enclosures for Fur Seals, Chimps and Leopards also some outdated ones. The dissapearing of several charismatic Abc Species like Lions, Bears and Elephants and several other empty Enclosures make the Zoo feel a bit empty but stil there are several rare Species and the Bird House and Rhino Savannah make the Zoo worth to see for Zoo Enthusiasts.

 

[German Zoo World]

Zoo/Aquarium 3. Bad Mergentheim Wildlifepark

Last Visit: 21.02.2023
Country: Germany
Exhibits and Houses: Wildlifepark
Notable and rare Species: North American Beaver, Brown Rat

Moose

Photo made by myself

This is my all favorite Wildlifepark, spacious and natural Enclosures make you feel watching the Zoos Animals in the Wild. The Zoo mainly has Animals from Europe, North America and northern Asia. First after you entered the Zoo through the nice Entrance Building you can follow one Path through the Zoo. First up you stand in front of 2 Enclosures with huge Rocks. Valois Blacknose live in the first and smaller of the 2 Enclosures and they can be fed by the Visitors with special Pelletts that can also be fed to Ibex, Deer and Boar later in the Zoo. The next Enclosure can be seen from behind but soon there is also a front View of this Enclosure for Mountain Ungulates. But before we head up the Hill and can encounter this Enclosures inhabitatnts we reach the Zoos European Moufflon which have 2 natural looking Enclosures that are perfect for these excellent Rock climbers. Now we walked arround the Second Enclosure and we can view it from the frontside and this is where the Zoos very impressive Alpine Ibex are most of their Time.

Male Alpine Ibex

Photo made by myself

After the Mountain Ungulates we come to a large Plaza from there you can already see another large and spacious Enclosure. But first this is Plaza is also the Start of a free daily feeding tour through the whole Zoo and during the feeding Tour they also showcase several Species of Birds of Prey which are normaly only held off show. The next Enclosure we reach after the Plaza is the walkthrough Owl Aviary which is divided in to three sections, the first one is a Forest for Eurasian Eagle Owl, second one is a Ruin for Great grey Owl and the last one is a nice boreal Forest for Snowy Owl. Nearby to the Owl Aviary is another large walkthrough Aviary this Time for Carrion Crow, Ring necked Pheasant, Ferruginous Duck and even a pair of Black Stork. Now we are on the other Side of the spacious Hufstook Enclosure we have seen from the Plaza, this Meadow is Home to Red Deer which are one of the must have Species in Wildlifeparks. On my last Visit the nearby Enclosure for Eurasian river Otter was empty because the last elderly Otter passed away but since then a new Otter arrived at the Zoo. The Otter Enclosure is viewed from a wooden Boardwalk that also leads you to the spacious wooded Enclosure for 2 elderly female European Brown Bears. The Bears have a Cave with their off show Enclosures and a large Pond to splash arround. A few Years ago the Bears shared their Enclosure with Red Fox but unfortunatley i do not know if this is stil the case as i havent seen them inside the Bear Enclosure on my last few Visits. Next is the best and most natural looking Enclosure for Eurasian Lynx i have ever seen, it is spacious and huge and during the Feeding Tour there is a hunting simulator where you can see the Lynx catching their Food in the Trees which is a truly interesting Sight.

Eurasian Lynx catching his Meal

Photo made by @leclub

One Highlight at this Zoo follows another as after the Lynx we reach the Vulture Aviary which was only home to a Griffon Vulture on my last Visit. Only a few Years ago this Aviary was Home to several different Species including Cinnerous and Ruppells Griffon Vulture. Even when there is only the Griffon Vulture found currently the Aviary is huge and located inside a former quarry. But the special thing about this Aviary is that this Aviary can be entered during the feeding Tour and you can see the Vulture soar arround and you can see him landing in the Centre of the Aviary where he is fed. Now we rach the massive Enclosure for Moose which is so lush and spacious you have to be very lucky to see one. They even got a Pond at this Zoo so if youre have more luck than myself you can seee them swimming which has to be a fascinating Sight. Next to the worlds largest Deer we come across one of Europes largest Wolf Packs, a more than 30 mempers strong pack of Timber Wolf which are breeding very well here. It is a very spectacular Sight seeing the Wolf Pack emerging from their wooded Part of the Enclosure during the Feeding Time. Before we reach the Halfpoint through the Zoo we enter a little Bridge above the Racoon Dog Enclosure but as the Enclosure is very lush and naturalistic it is very hard to see them.

To be continued...

 

[Green_mamba]

It's nice to read such detailed information on these lesser known German zoos. Thank you

 

[German Zoo World]

It's nice to read such detailed information on these lesser known German zoos. Thank you

Im glad you enjoyed my Reviews. Im looking to write part two in the next Days.

 

[Lafone]

Zoo/Aquarium 3. Bad Mergentheim Wildlifepark

Last Visit: 21.02.2023
Country: Germany
Exhibits and Houses: Wildlifepark
Notable and rare Species: North American Beaver, Brown Rat

Moose

Photo made by myself

This is my all favorite Wildlifepark, spacious and natural Enclosures make you feel watching the Zoos Animals in the Wild. The Zoo mainly has Animals from Europe, North America and northern Asia. First after you entered the Zoo through the nice Entrance Building you can follow one Path through the Zoo. First up you stand in front of 2 Enclosures with huge Rocks. Valois Blacknose live in the first and smaller of the 2 Enclosures and they can be fed by the Visitors with special Pelletts that can also be fed to Ibex, Deer and Boar later in the Zoo. The next Enclosure can be seen from behind but soon there is also a front View of this Enclosure for Mountain Ungulates. But before we head up the Hill and can encounter this Enclosures inhabitatnts we reach the Zoos European Moufflon which have 2 natural looking Enclosures that are perfect for these excellent Rock climbers. Now we walked arround the Second Enclosure and we can view it from the frontside and this is where the Zoos very impressive Alpine Ibex are most of their Time.

Male Alpine Ibex

Photo made by myself

After the Mountain Ungulates we come to a large Plaza from there you can already see another large and spacious Enclosure. But first this is Plaza is also the Start of a free daily feeding tour through the whole Zoo and during the feeding Tour they also showcase several Species of Birds of Prey which are normaly only held off show. The next Enclosure we reach after the Plaza is the walkthrough Owl Aviary which is divided in to three sections, the first one is a Forest for Eurasian Eagle Owl, second one is a Ruin for Great grey Owl and the last one is a nice boreal Forest for Snowy Owl. Nearby to the Owl Aviary is another large walkthrough Aviary this Time for Carrion Crow, Ring necked Pheasant, Ferruginous Duck and even a pair of Black Stork. Now we are on the other Side of the spacious Hufstook Enclosure we have seen from the Plaza, this Meadow is Home to Red Deer which are one of the must have Species in Wildlifeparks. On my last Visit the nearby Enclosure for Eurasian river Otter was empty because the last elderly Otter passed away but since then a new Otter arrived at the Zoo. The Otter Enclosure is viewed from a wooden Boardwalk that also leads you to the spacious wooded Enclosure for 2 elderly female European Brown Bears. The Bears have a Cave with their off show Enclosures and a large Pond to splash arround. A few Years ago the Bears shared their Enclosure with Red Fox but unfortunatley i do not know if this is stil the case as i havent seen them inside the Bear Enclosure on my last few Visits. Next is the best and most natural looking Enclosure for Eurasian Lynx i have ever seen, it is spacious and huge and during the Feeding Tour there is a hunting simulator where you can see the Lynx catching their Food in the Trees which is a truly interesting Sight.

Eurasian Lynx catching his Meal

Photo made by @leclub

One Highlight at this Zoo follows another as after the Lynx we reach the Vulture Aviary which was only home to a Griffon Vulture on my last Visit. Only a few Years ago this Aviary was Home to several different Species including Cinnerous and Ruppells Griffon Vulture. Even when there is only the Griffon Vulture found currently the Aviary is huge and located inside a former quarry. But the special thing about this Aviary is that this Aviary can be entered during the feeding Tour and you can see the Vulture soar arround and you can see him landing in the Centre of the Aviary where he is fed. Now we rach the massive Enclosure for Moose which is so lush and spacious you have to be very lucky to see one. They even got a Pond at this Zoo so if youre have more luck than myself you can seee them swimming which has to be a fascinating Sight. Next to the worlds largest Deer we come across one of Europes largest Wolf Packs, a more than 30 mempers strong pack of Timber Wolf which are breeding very well here. It is a very spectacular Sight seeing the Wolf Pack emerging from their wooded Part of the Enclosure during the Feeding Time. Before we reach the Halfpoint through the Zoo we enter a little Bridge above the Racoon Dog Enclosure but as the Enclosure is very lush and naturalistic it is very hard to see them.

To be continued...

That one looks lovely - I really enjoy these sort of enclosures. Makes me want to take a trip. There’s a couple of these zoos with these sort of collections I’d like to see in Germany, Belgium etc. thanks for sharing. 30 wolves! Wowser.

 

[German Zoo World]

That one looks lovely - I really enjoy these sort of enclosures. Makes me want to take a trip. There’s a couple of these zoos with these sort of collections I’d like to see in Germany, Belgium etc. thanks for sharing. 30 wolves! Wowser.

This is indeed a very nice Zoo, i hope you look forward to part 2 which comes either tomorrow or later this week.

 

[German Zoo World]

Zoo/Aquarium 3. Bad Mergentheim Wildlifepark part 2

We start off where we left off and reach the Halfpoint through the Zoo. Here you can mainly find another Wildlifepark must have, it is of course a Domestics section but also with rare Breeds like Coburger Sheep, Scottish Highland Cattle, Vorwerk Chicken and of course a Petting Zoo with Pygmy Goats. The most notable Thing at the Halfpoint is that near the first Restaurant you can watch a educational Animal Presentation, there you can see Llama and Bactrian Camel upclose which are otherwise held offshow so they can only be seen through this Show or from very far away. After the Domestics we reach a spacious and muddy Enclosure for European wild Boar and a simple Log Cabin with a Terrarium housing booth Black and Brown Rats. Next is a naturalistic Pond with European pond Turtle and we pass by the other side of the huge Moose enclosure before we reach a very interesting Predator/Prey setup. In the Back you can see the Zoos European Red Fox Enclosure and if you are lucky you can see the rare north american Beaver swimming arround in his spacious naturalistic Enclosure which is only sepperated by a trench from the Fox Enclosure. You can also see the Beaver inside their indoor Enclosure which is located inside a giant Beaver damm.

Red Fox Enclosure in the Back/ North american Beaver Enclosure in the Front

Photo made by myself

Now we can go inside of a huge walkthrough Aviary for a large Flock of northern bald Ibis and after them we reach a series of Enclosures featuring several smaller nocturnal Animals, all inside of spacious Enclosures. The first of them is a small Nocturnal House with a walkthrough Enclosure for a Colony of Egyptian Fruitbat. Next to the well hidden Fruitbats we see an mixed Enclosure for Ferret and Racoon, i have even seen the Racoon climbing arround on live Trees inside the Enclosure. Arctic Fox are found in the next Enclosure which meets their Needs very well and i think it looks stunning for a Arctic Fox Enclosure with several Hills, small coniferous Trees and even a Reindeer Skull. The last nocturnal Hunters Enclosure is Home to European Wild Cat. Like the Lynx Enclosure we have already seen it is booth spacious, lush and with a Hunting Simulator, so you can see a Cat jumping in to the Air to get her Meal.

European wild Cat Enclosure

Photo made by myself

Now we reach already the last Enclosure of this excellent Wildlifepark which is a simple walkthrough for European fallow Deer a Species very common in european Zoos. This is one of the best Wildlifeparks i have been to and with its large, spacious and like the Beavers unique Enclosures and several of them are walkthroughs this is a must see for Zoo Enthusiasts.

 

[Tigeanderson]

Zoo/Aquarium 3. Bad Mergentheim Wildlifepark part 2

We start off where we left off and reach the Halfpoint through the Zoo. Here you can mainly find another Wildlifepark must have, it is of course a Domestics section but also with rare Breeds like Coburger Sheep, Scottish Highland Cattle, Vorwerk Chicken and of course a Petting Zoo with Pygmy Goats. The most notable Thing at the Halfpoint is that near the first Restaurant you can watch a educational Animal Presentation, there you can see Llama and Bactrian Camel upclose which are otherwise held offshow so they can only be seen through this Show or from very far away. After the Domestics we reach a spacious and muddy Enclosure for European wild Boar and a simple Log Cabin with a Terrarium housing booth Black and Brown Rats. Next is a naturalistic Pond with European pond Turtle and we pass by the other side of the huge Moose enclosure before we reach a very interesting Predator/Prey setup. In the Back you can see the Zoos European Red Fox Enclosure and if you are lucky you can see the rare north american Beaver swimming arround in his spacious naturalistic Enclosure which is only sepperated by a trench from the Fox Enclosure. You can also see the Beaver inside their indoor Enclosure which is located inside a giant Beaver damm.

Red Fox Enclosure in the Back/ North american Beaver Enclosure in the Front

Photo made by myself

Now we can go inside of a huge walkthrough Aviary for a large Flock of northern bald Ibis and after them we reach a series of Enclosures featuring several smaller nocturnal Animals, all inside of spacious Enclosures. The first of them is a small Nocturnal House with a walkthrough Enclosure for a Colony of Egyptian Fruitbat. Next to the well hidden Fruitbats we see an mixed Enclosure for Ferret and Racoon, i have even seen the Racoon climbing arround on live Trees inside the Enclosure. Arctic Fox are found in the next Enclosure which meets their Needs very well and i think it looks stunning for a Arctic Fox Enclosure with several Hills, small coniferous Trees and even a Reindeer Skull. The last nocturnal Hunters Enclosure is Home to European Wild Cat. Like the Lynx Enclosure we have already seen it is booth spacious, lush and with a Hunting Simulator, so you can see a Cat jumping in to the Air to get her Meal.

European wild Cat Enclosure

Photo made by myself

Now we reach already the last Enclosure of this excellent Wildlifepark which is a simple walkthrough for European fallow Deer a Species very common in european Zoos. This is one of the best Wildlifeparks i have been to and with its large, spacious and like the Beavers unique Enclosures and several of them are walkthroughs this is a must see for Zoo Enthusiasts.

Wow I really like the wild cat enclosure and would you happen to know what kind of European wild cat it is and what I mean by that is what subspecies is it is it a Caucasian or Scottish wildcat.

 

[German Zoo World]

They have the European Wild Cat (Felis silvestris silvestris).

Hope i could help you.

 

[German Zoo World]

Zoo/Aquarium 4. Berlin Tierpark Friedrichsfelde

Last Visit: 2016
Country: Germany
Exhibits and Houses: Petting Zoo, Rainforest House, Savannah, Ruffed Lemur Forest, Himalaya, Primate House
Notable and rare Species: African grey headed Gull, Barren ground Musk Ox, Arabian Oryx, Arabian striped Hyena, Transcaspian Urial, Barbary Deer, Laughing Gull, Barasingha, Baewan Hogdeer, Bavarian pine Vole, East african Oryx, Mountain Caracara, Blue Sheep, Bobak Marmot, Borneo earless Monitor, Australian Pelican, Bactrian Deer, Elds Deer, Painted Terrapin, Sri lanka spot bellied Eagle Owl, Large webbed bell Toad, Coqurel Sifaka, Daurian Pika, Sulawesi Bear Cuscus, Etruscan Shrew, European Hamster, Gayal, Shensi Takin, spot billed Pelican, greater Bustard, red backed bearded Saki, belted ruffed Lemur, yellow Tamandua, Collared Lemur, Harpy Eagle, northern Spur winged Goose, small webbed bell Toad, black tailed Gull, Javan Leopard, Martial Eagle, Cape Buffalo, Kerabau/asian Waterbuffalo, little pied Cormorant, Madagascar giant jumping Rat, Javan Rusa, Sunbear, barred Eagle Owl, Mangshan pit Viper, Manitoba Elk, oriental bay Owl, Central chinese Goral, Mongoose Lemur, american white Pelican, dusky Padamelon, New guinea short beaked Echidna, north african Ostrich, asian golden Cat, Brown Pelican, eastern Kiang, eastern Wallaroo, white bearded Wildebeest, Marco Polo Sheep, Philippines rufous night Heron, Philippines Scops Owl, Spectacled Eider, yellow foot rock Wallaby, Roloway Monkey, Red bellied Lemur, black and rufous Elephant Shrew, chestnut red and white giant flying Squirrel, black bellied Sandgrouse, saddle billed Stork, yellow headed Vulture, northern carmine Beeater, Siberian white Crane, Rocky mountain Goat, Scaly breasted Merganser, black tree Monitor, black headed Greenfinch, Arabian Partridge, oriental white Stork, Taiga Muskdeer, Sechuan Takin, Asian brown Tortoise, Gerenuk, Mountain Reedbuck, Thomsons Gazelle, Francois Langur, Red Howler Monkey, Sambar, Sumatran masked palm Civet, white lipped Deer, white faced Heron, black crowned Crane, Honey Badger and so much more....

Photo made by @snowleopard

To be continued....

 

[German Zoo World]

Zoo/Aquarium 3. Berlin Tierpark Friedrichsfelde part 2

This is one of the largest and most rapid evolving european Zoos. I have unfortunatley not seen the whole Zoo and since then several new Exhibits have opened. Unfortunatley i have not made any Photos as at that Time i visited Zoos without documenting the Zoo for Zoo Enthusiasts. We enter the Zoo through the Entrance Bärenschaufenster next to an Enclosure which was on my Visit Home to American black Bear but currently the Enclosure is empty. Nearby are two other medium sized Bear Enclosures that should be a lot larger, the first houses Andean Bear and the second is Home to two female Polar Bear. Next is a Childrens Zoo, a Moose Enclosure which was Home to Caucasian Zebu on my Visit and some Owl Aviarys and Monkey Cages hidden in the Forest. The latter held yellow breasted Cappuchin and Southern pig tailed Macaque on my Visit but since then they moved to the newly renovated Primate House and currently yellow Tamandua and Roloway Monkey are found inside the hidden Cages which are easy to miss. 2 huge Dome Aviarys are Home to several Species of rare Gulls in the first one and African Birds including Saddle billed Stork inside the second Dome Aviary. Between the two Dome Aviarys is another Domestics section but after them we arrive at the first Highlight of Zoo the Alfred Brehm House. I have only seen the old House which has kept a huge selection of Cat Species. Now this is the Rainforest House with rare asian Animals like Bear Cuscus, Asian golden Cat, Sun Bear, Dusky Padamelon and Javan Leopard. Near the Alfred Brehm/Rainforest House which does also have a walkthrough Aviary and Tomistoma, King Cobra and many more Ecotherms you can find a outdated row of Cages and a Honey Badger is allways a interesting Sight but a pacing Badger shows that these outdated Cages are way to small for their Inhabitants. Next we have spacious Enclosures for Cheetah and African Penguin and after them we stand in front of a massive Bird of Prey Aviary which is so huge it is now a walkthrough Enclosure for various Vultures and grey crowned Crane.

Vulture Aviary

Photo made by @Shirokuma

To be continued...

 

[German Zoo World]

Zoo/Aquarium 4. Berlin Tierpark Frierichsfelde part 3

A new huge Savannah opened in 2023 and it is Home to Thomsons Gazelle, white bearded Wildebeest and East african Oryx aswell as Pelican, Ostrich, Marabou and Giraffe. Next the Savannah they work on a new House for African Bush Elephant and venemous Snakes. After the Savannah we can find another Highlight the new Himalaya with Francois Langur, Daurian Pika and several asian Ungulates like Wild Sheep, Takin, Markohr and white lipped Deer which is unfortunatley only one of the new Enclosures i have not seen yet with the others being the Rainforest House and Savannah.


Francois Langur Enclosure/ Himalaya

Photo made by @twilighter

The Tierpark is very famous for the large Hufstook collection with several rare species including Eastern Kiang, Gayal, Asian water Buffalo, Gerenuk, Rocky mountain Goat, Cape Buffalo, Mountain Reedbuck, Waterdeer and there is even a dedicated section for rare Deer, like Sambar, Barbary red Deer, Manitoba Elk, Rusa and Baewan Hogdeer. Yet another Highlight of the Tierpark is a huge Bird collection with dedicated Parrot and Bird of Prey Areas with several Raritys like Harpy Eagle, black barred Eagle Owl, Martial Eagle, Mountain Caracara and so much more. A large Waterfowl collection is found on several Ponds and Aviarys in the whole Zoo like Spectacled Eider, american white Pelican, brown Pelican, Saddle billed Stork, White Crane, white faced Heron and little pied Cormorant.

Australasian Marshlands Aviary

Photo made by @Hvedekorn

Inside the Karl Forster Gardens you can find the rare red and white gliding Squirrel and nearby a large Pheasantary with temperate Asian Passerines and Gamefowl. On my Visit i have seen the sadly now closed Snake Farm and the Crocodile House which have booth housed a very nice Ecotherm collection. Currently most Ecotherms are found either in the Primate, Tortoise and Rainforest Houses and in the Zoo Restaurant where you can find a good sized Fish collection even with smaller Sharks and Rays. Located in the Centre of the Zoo are the Camel Meadows which showcases every Camelid Species of the World aswell as Flamingo, Cavie and Rhea in huge Meadow Enclosures.

To be continued...

 

[German Zoo World]

Zoo/Aquarium 4. Berlin Tierpark Friedrichsfelde part 4

On my Visit in 2016 the Primate House was oldfashioned but recently the House was renovated and espacialy the Indoor Enclosures are now much better looking. The House is Home to the rare Coquerels Sifaka, red backed bearded Saki, red Howler Monkey aswell as Red bellied Lemur and a breeding Group of Gelada Baboon. They all live in spacious Outdoor Enclosures or in the Gelada Example on Islands which are connected to the Primate House. Other Primates at the Zoo live on Islands through out the Tierpark such as ring tailed Lemur, Barbary Macaque, Pig tailed Macaque and white handed Gibbon but then there is also a walkthrough Lemur Enclosure just for three Species of ruffed Lemur: Black and white, red ruffed and belted ruffed Lemur. Last but not least near the Exit you can find Chacoan Peccary, Walaroo, ring tailed rock Wallaby, Greater Bustard, the mentioned Deer Section and 2 Enclosures for booth European and wood Bison. This Zoo is very nice with spacious Enclosures and rare Species, this is a Zoo Nerds Paradise and im sure once the Elephant House is open i want to return to Germanys largest Zoo. I can recommend a Visit even when i have not seen the four big new Enclosures by my self and im looking forward to other new Exhibits of this Berlin Giant.

Gayal

Photo made by @Fat-tailed dwarf lemur