Reviews of Berlin zoos by a Breton zoo enthusiast.

Tamandua56

Well-Known Member
Last week, I visited Berlin for the first time. People around me say that "German zoos are better than French ones," but is that really the case? I must say it's difficult for me to answer this question, as I've only visited two zoos in Germany so far. Specifically, the two I'm going to review: the Berlin Zoo and Aquarium and the Tierpark Berlin.

I spent a total of three days at these establishments: one day at the Zoo, a morning at the Aquarium, and a day and a half at the Tierpark. In addition, I also visited the iconic monuments and the incredible Natural History Museum.

For someone familiar with French zoos, it was a shock to see so many well-kept indoor facilities (in France, indoor facilities are mostly only functional), and above all, an incredible diversity of small mammals, birds -in addition to raptors, macaws and wading birds), reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates.

In addition to the zoo reviews, I will write an article comparing Berlin zoos with each other, and also Berlin zoos with French zoos.

I thank again all the ZooChatters who gave me valuable advice. Thanks to the information I was given, I was able to see all the rarities, with the exception of a few, and I really enjoyed my visits.
 
Berlin Zoo Aquarium

Although an integral part of the zoo, this building deserves a review all on its own.
During my visit, about half of the ground floor was closed for renovations. Admittedly, it's a bit of a shame for a first visit, but I quickly forgot about it.
For any zoo or aquarium, the first impression upon entering is always important. And this aquarium understands this perfectly.

The Berlin Zoo Aquarium, opened in 1914 and the oldest aquarium still in existence in Germany, is a veritable living cabinet of curiosities.
At the entrance, how could one not be impressed by the monumental Iguanodon statue? Or by all the bas-reliefs adorning the building's facade? Even without going inside, I would have loved this building. But it's worth paying a little attention to what lies behind the facade...

Europe's richest aquarium offers us the best glimpse of aquatic and ectothermic life found on earth.
What about the enclosures and aquariums? Although I'm a true specialist in animal infrastructure design, I found each aquarium, vivarium, and terrarium beautifully designed, sometimes offering hiding places for the animals. I don't remember any bad enclosures. Perhaps the sharks would have benefited from a larger tank. The same goes for the Cuvier's dwarf caimans, even though we're dealing with animals with limited mobility. Zoochatters more experienced in this area will be able to better analyze the environment and tell me what they think.
The crocodile room is the only attempt at immersion, even if the greenhouse isn't large enough to create a tropical forest feel.

As for the wildlife... It's a pleasure to see an aquarium that places importance on small fish. Although I'm more passionate about land animals than marine ones, this aquarium must certainly be brimming with rarities for enthusiasts. This is certainly true of the terrestrial fauna. From the tuatara to the black-bellied turtle, the Chinese warty newt, and the Omani spiny-tailed lizard (to name just a few), any rare species hunter will find something to their liking.

In terms of teaching, I think it must be good, but I can't really judge the quality, since I've barely read the signs (I don't speak German at all, and my English is quite limited).

In summary, I think every zoo enthusiast should have seen this aquarium at least once in their life. I could have spent the whole day there without getting bored, but the rest of the Berlin Zoo is no less interesting... If you like historical architecture, are passionate about marine life or ectotherms and rare species, then this place is for you!
 
Cool trip! I’ve been to a couple of French zoos and then Berlin Zoo, and honestly the difference stood out for me too, especially the range of species and how much attention they give to smaller animals. Tierpark felt more spacious while the Zoo had more rarities packed in. If you’re used to French zoos, the indoor sections in Berlin do feel like a whole other level.
 
Thanks for starting this thread and I will follow it with interest. I think you were smart to do the two mammoth Berlin zoos over 3 days, and I'm intrigued to see what you thought of the Natural History Museum.
 
Berlin Zoo (Zoologischer Garten Berlin) - Part 1

Described as a world reference, the Berlin Zoo will remain a landmark in the European and global zoological landscape. Almost all major taxa are present in this zoo, making it one of the best encyclopedic zoological parks. Despite being bombed during the Second World War, it has retained what still gives it its charm today: its multiple pavilions and themed houses.

Once again, the Berlin Zoo knows what a good first impression is before entering. The magnificent Elephant Gate (Elephantentor) is impressive. After passing through this gate, you forget you're in one of Europe's largest cities, such is the pleasant atmosphere.

Straight ahead, we arrive at the giant panda enclosure (although I chose to go see them at the end of my visit. And I was right, because there weren't that many people there). It's the most beautiful enclosure for this species I've seen. Offering multiple hiding places, the vegetation is also well-kept. The interior could have been larger, but the building is still well-appointed.

To the right (of the entrance) is one of the favorite spots of zoo enthusiasts. The Empire of Cats (Reich der Jäger) is a feline house that was renovated fairly recently, and it's indeed very modern. It's impressive to see so many well-kept indoor enclosures for carnivores, something you wouldn't see in France. For the larger cats (tigers, jaguars), the exterior seemed a little too small. However, an extension is planned and is currently under construction. Once again, my German is terrible, and I'd appreciate some Zoochatters giving me some additional information.

But where the building really shines is in the basement. Creatures of the Night is arguably the best nocturnal house there is. Even though I arrived early, the lights were off. But that's okay, because, with the exception of the bushbaby, the slender loris, and the bamboo rat, I was able to observe all the species. This is probably the best place to see an aardvark or a kowari active. I could have spent hours there, despite the presence of extremely noisy children and adults using their cell phone lights to get a better look at the animals.

There are numerous enclosures for herbivores (deer, pigs, cattle, antelopes, etc.), all simple but effective, with very attractive houses. The two bison houses deserve special mention. One is inspired by Native Americans, particularly with totem poles, and the other is a Russian log house. Both houses are extraordinary from a historical perspective. Also worth mentioning are the zebra, wildebeest, and oryx houses, as well as the Somali wild donkey and dromedary camel houses, inspired by Eastern architecture.

Surrounded by decent enclosures for seals, sea lions, penguins, otters, and beavers, the penguin house is another little gem. It is one of the few houses that offers these seabirds natural light through a skylight. Alongside these are good enclosures and aviaries for coatis, African wild dogs, condors, and waterfowl. Although I didn't have the chance to observe them, the sloth bears enjoyed a very well-planted and spacious area. Although there have been improvements, I was less impressed with the brown bear enclosure, which offered no opportunity for the animals to retreat.

For now, I'll stop there. But more to come soon.
 
Berlin Zoo (Zoologischer Garten Berlin) - Part 2

Berlin Zoo excels in virtually every area, but where it truly stands out is its bird collection.
There's no room for huge, remarkable aviaries; here the emphasis is on quantity. But necessarily at the expense of quality. In the pheasantry and the "World of Birds," each small aviary is a little gem. Well designed to give the birds areas of retreat if they so desire and ample flying space.
To appreciate the rarities, I spent an hour and a half in the "World of Birds." And I think that's something that birdwatchers and bird lovers should do. Unfortunately, I wasn't lucky enough to see my first kiwis. Perhaps it was a time when they weren't active?

After a charming petting zoo, two structures at least 25 years apart now stand before me. Hippo Bay was built around 1995 and remains a magnificent home for hippos, despite its flaws. The hippo's outdoor enclosure features a very large meadow, larger than those offered by most zoos. However, their pool remains too small. But inside, it's the opposite! The aquavision pool is spacious and impressive, but the land area is far too small for a group of hippos.

Next to this is the Rhino Pagoda. This is also a magnificent building, although very modern (2023). It has spacious outdoor enclosures for Indian rhinos, Visayan warty pigs, and Malayan tapirs. The interior is very beautiful, but could also have been a little larger.

After crossing the magnificent aviaries of the Canyon des Aigles and climbing the zoo's artificial mountain for ibex and other mountain goats, we arrive at two other buildings magnificent in their architecture and history. The Hen House is a magnificent 19th-century half-timbered house.

Next to it stands the incredible Antelope House, in Moorish style, typical of a time when Egyptomania was at its peak. For any zoo enthusiast who appreciates ancient monuments, it is impossible not to admire the large fresco at the entrance, where all the very exotic details are displayed. Although currently under renovation, you can still see the superb greenhouse with its palm trees.

The Berlin Zoo has a rather aging elephant house. Although the exterior has been improved with new additions, I doubt the pachyderms will remain in this building for much longer.

Nearby is the inevitable enclosure for meerkats and porcupines, as well as a large rock for hamadryas baboons, and a more discreet aviary for storks and cranes.

Finally, we arrived at the last pavilion open to visitors. The Primate House, although marked by its age, is a perfect example of contemporary architecture from the mid- to late 20th century. There's no attempt at immersion, but rather an encyclopedic space. The original house housed many more primates. Today, it's much more streamlined than it was originally, and access is focused on grouping individual cages to expand the animals' living spaces. After the planned departure of the great apes, I believe this house will once again be suitable for smaller primates.

In conclusion, the Berlin Zoo will, I think, always remain a landmark in the zoological world, with its strengths and weaknesses. This is a zoo that I can only recommend to anyone. Despite some facilities that bear witness to the age when we wanted to preserve as many species as possible in a limited space, we feel when visiting the zoo, that there is a desire to offer and improve the spaces for the animals. For those who have never visited this zoo, I strongly encourage you to visit it. For those who have already visited, it is a zoo that you must return to, and I think that in the years to come it is what I will do!
 
Tierpark Berlin - Part 1

After visiting the encyclopedic zoo, let's head to East Berlin for a walk in the forest and the tranquility of this zoo. Opened in 1955 in the midst of the Cold War, it is one of the newest major zoos in Europe.
Unlike the Berlin Zoo, the Tierpark has very few indoor pavilions for visitors, but the few pavilions that exist here are extremely well-designed.

The Tierpark was created on the grounds of Friedrichsfelde Palace. My second interest, after zoos, is castles. Seeing a zoo with a castle in its grounds is extraordinary for me. The Tierpark Palace is very beautiful and well-renovated.

But this is a zoo review, so let's get back to the animals.
From the moment you enter, you forget you're in Berlin; the atmosphere is warm and you can hear the sounds of wild birds. Most of the enclosures blend very well into the landscape, without any major adaptations to the terrain.
The Tierpark also has two species of bison, presented in two large sandy enclosures.

One area where the Tierpark excels is its deer. There's no other place to see so many different species, and especially rarities, in this animal family. The species at the Zoo complement the Tierpark, and the Berlin duo has the best collection of deer in existence, presented in simple but highly functional and attractive forest enclosures.

The Tierpark has very few mediocre enclosures, but the polar bears and spectacled bears haven't been as lucky as the other species. The polar bears have a very large pool, but the land area could have been larger.

Further along our route, there are two aviaries with similar architecture, but presenting two different ecosystems. One features an American shoreline, with gulls as a focal point, the other an African marsh. The domed aviaries are sublime.
The Tierpark next door offers a very interesting area dedicated to endangered domestic animals, with different breeds of cows, horses, sheep, and more.

The Alfred Brehm House alone deserves a special mention. Historically an outdated cat house, it has been renovated to become the best house dedicated to Southeast Asian wildlife. The outdoor feline enclosures are excellent and very well planted. The Goodfellow tree kangaroo walk-through enclosure is a true gem in itself. Again, the tigers are the losers; the Tierpark enclosure is almost identical to the Zoo's. Fortunately, the other pit for sun bears and binturongs is better designed.

It's inside that this building really shines. The indoor feline enclosures are very well done. Former bird cages have been converted into excellent, spacious vivariums, containing several rarities. At its center is a greenhouse displaying numerous birds, flying foxes, and two enclosures for Malayan false gharials. I spent an hour and a half in this building, which is what you need to fully appreciate each enclosure and the animals that inhabit them.

Nearby are good enclosures for cheetahs, African penguins, maned wolves, as well as a cramped cage for honey badgers. But what really captivated me was the magnificent and gigantic vulture aviary. Aside from the attention to detail, it offers unparalleled flying space for raptors in many zoos, and one wonders why so many zoos don't offer such large spaces for their birds of prey.

I'll take a break here before continuing later.
Aside from snide comments, all feedback is welcome.
 
Hi, did you see all three areas for the Tigers? The inside space, outside with the water and the new enclosure around the corner outside?

Hello, I did see the three areas reserved for tigers. When I said that the tigers are the "losers" and that their enclosure is similar to the zoo's, I was obviously referring to the outdoor area with the water. The indoor area, on the other hand, is extremely spacious and surpasses any indoor enclosure for a big cat.

The enclosure around the corner housed another subspecies of tiger (the Sumatran tiger, the enclosure with the large pool housed the Malayan tiger). Unless a rotation is in place or the Tierpark is cohabiting the two subspecies (I highly doubt it), the main enclosure for the Malayan tigers is still quite small, although it offers plenty of hiding places.

Thank you for pointing this out.
 
The enclosure around the corner housed another subspecies of tiger (the Sumatran tiger, the enclosure with the large pool housed the Malayan tiger).

I'm afraid you got some outdated information on this one. It's actually really just the one tiger subspecies from Sumatra by now, when they used to have at least three or possibly even four at some point (similar thing with the leopards - and they also used to have Asian lions, jaguars, cougars etc as well... which all lived in that house).
So the Sumatra tigers do have access to both outdoor enclosures. Also, besides the big indoor hall you saw they also have other indoor facilities invisible to the visitor as well as some hidden tunnels connecting them. I am still not happy about the outside enclosure you mentioned (or the second one), but so far they couldn't realize plans to create one large outdoor enclosure encompassing the entire area of the court in between the wings of the building (and I somewhat doubt they will secure funds and receive official permission for this anytime soon).
At least, they have a really decent indoor enclosure which is important for the colder season.
 
I'm afraid you got some outdated information on this one. It's actually really just the one tiger subspecies from Sumatra by now,

It's entirely possible that I made a mistake in the identification and missed this news.
However, this means that the signs weren't updated, as they clearly listed the Malayan tiger in the enclosure with the large pool, and the Sumatran tiger in the other enclosure.

As for the enclosure itself, I completely agree with you. I wrote in my review of the Berlin Zoo that there is a desire to improve the animals' living spaces, and this also applies to the Tierpark. Proof of this is the expansion for the tigers, which improves the living space somewhat, even if it remains basic. Furthermore, the indoor enclosure is also a sign of attention to quality.
 
However, this means that the signs weren't updated, as they clearly listed the Malayan tiger in the enclosure with the large pool, and the Sumatran tiger in the other enclosure.

This is quite odd! According to Zootierliste, the Malayan tigers left the Tierpark in 2022. So they really should have replaced the signs by now...
 
Tierpark Berlin - Part 2

Throughout the Tierpark, the landscaping is very well-kept and pleasant. The two enclosures, which form one of the most beautiful African savannahs in Europe, are a perfect example. I particularly enjoyed the plains of zebras, wildebeest, oryx, and ostriches... You could easily believe you were in Africa. The enclosure's fences and ditches were cleverly hidden behind vegetation, giving the impression of being inside the enclosure.

The giraffe plains were very well laid out, and they had a proper indoor enclosure that was quite spacious and bright. Afterwards, we return to the forest that is the Tierpark, strolling among pleasant enclosures for okapis, various species of deer and antelope (including some rarities), two walking enclosures, one for wallabies and the other for lemurs (although during my visit, the lemurs were nowhere to be seen), and enclosures for carnivores (dholes, African wild dogs, striped hyenas, Pallas's cats, yellow-throated martens).

Nearby is the bird show. However, I was particularly disappointed, as there were very few bird species (6 or 7, I think), and for someone who understands almost no German, there was too much chatter.
The camel pasture is also a remarkable enclosure in the Tierpark. It's also one of the most relaxing. The enclosure blends in perfectly with the river landscape of the Tierpark. In many places, it's hard to tell where the enclosure ends. It's a very pleasant place to relax.

The Tierpark's two main restaurants have very functional aviaries. However, the Patagona restaurant also has several beautiful aquariums with endangered fish.
Not far away is Otter Island, a magnificent enclosure featuring a stunning mix of Sulawesi's endangered species: the Asian small-clawed otter, the babirusa, and the Sulawesi crested macaque. The decor is also very well done, and seeing these three species coexist is one of the most unique experiences the Tierpark has to offer.

There's another area in which the Tierpark excels: pheasants. The pheasantry is a wonderful place for any bird lover. The collection of pheasants, along with passerines and other birds, is extraordinary. All the aviaries seemed well-designed, with ample hiding places.
The Karl Foerster Garden is another gem of the Tierpark, although its main attraction, the red and white giant flying squirrel, didn't show up. But I expected it to.
This is followed by other simple but effective enclosures for pig-tailed macaques, various species of deer, Rocky Mountain goats, Przewalski's horses, and muskox.

The monkey house is also a major attraction for rare species enthusiasts. The indoor enclosures are functional, but the outdoor area is truly well-designed and spacious. But above all, it's the species list that's fantastic: Venezuelan red howler monkeys, Guiana bearded saki, Coquerel's sifakas, and ayes-ayes (I didn't see the latter).

After a few simple aviaries for birds of prey, we find a superbly landscaped area called "Himalayas." The idea of installing this area on a hill is excellent, especially since the theming is very well done without being overbearing. This is where we find one of the largest red panda enclosures, the same for takins, and various very pretty aviaries for birds and François' langurs. There are other enclosures for kulans, markhors, and ibex, snow leopards, and Pallas's cats. The latter was particularly active.

What do you think of Tierpark Berlin overall? A visit to this zoo complements the Berlin Zoo, and if you're coming to Berlin for a week like me, I strongly recommend a visit, or two days if it's your first visit. This is a zoo I'd happily revisit, especially to see the renovated elephant house. The Tierpark setting fully invites us to savor the tranquility of this place, to lose ourselves in the many trails, and to listen to the local wildlife.

We'll have one more review before the two comparative articles. I hope you enjoy my articles, as this is the first time I've written such detailed reports.
 
Natural History Museum (Museum für Naturkunde)

Although it's not a zoo or a place that exhibits live animals, this museum is worth a visit for any wildlife enthusiast or scientist.
The Museum für Naturkunde is one of the most impressive natural history museums I've ever visited. Not because it's huge, but because its collection is immense.

We start in a room displaying skeletons and fossils of dinosaurs and other prehistoric animals. What really catches our eye is the impressive skeleton of a Brachiosaurus brancai. It's the largest reconstructed dinosaur skeleton in the world and is included in the Guinness Book of Records.
Other dinosaur skeletons and skulls are housed in the temporary exhibition "Dinosaurs!"

The highlight of the visit is undoubtedly the wet collection. It's actually the largest collection of animals preserved in ethanol jars. How could you not be impressed? They're stacked from floor to ceiling, several floors high. There are a total of 276,000 jars, and the shelves together add up to over 12 km!
This was my favorite part of the museum.

There's also a very good exhibition on taxidermy, giving an insight into the taxidermist's profession and the work of the Natural History Museum. There are also some iconic animals: Bobby the gorilla and Knut the polar bear, both formerly living at the Berlin Zoo, and reconstructions of a dodo and a Hesperornis regalis.
In addition to an exhibition on the cosmos and the solar system, there's also an exhibition on the evolution of the animal world, featuring numerous specimens. The "Biodiversity Wall" at the entrance to the room is very impressive. The educational level is very high in these two rooms.

Finally, there are three impressive collections: birds (for the ZUGvögel exhibition), insects, and minerals. All of these collections are extraordinary. There is a colossal number of specimens (11,500 birds, 15 million insects, 200,000 minerals).

Finally, to conclude, the Berlin Museum of Natural History is a must-see for the magnitude of its collections (30 million objects in total). If you spend a week in Berlin, I highly recommend it, as it complements zoos. I think I preferred this museum to the one in Paris, which is better known on the forum.
 
Natural History Museum (Museum für Naturkunde)

Although it's not a zoo or a place that exhibits live animals, this museum is worth a visit for any wildlife enthusiast or scientist.
The Museum für Naturkunde is one of the most impressive natural history museums I've ever visited. Not because it's huge, but because its collection is immense.

We start in a room displaying skeletons and fossils of dinosaurs and other prehistoric animals. What really catches our eye is the impressive skeleton of a Brachiosaurus brancai. It's the largest reconstructed dinosaur skeleton in the world and is included in the Guinness Book of Records.
Other dinosaur skeletons and skulls are housed in the temporary exhibition "Dinosaurs!"

The highlight of the visit is undoubtedly the wet collection. It's actually the largest collection of animals preserved in ethanol jars. How could you not be impressed? They're stacked from floor to ceiling, several floors high. There are a total of 276,000 jars, and the shelves together add up to over 12 km!
This was my favorite part of the museum.

There's also a very good exhibition on taxidermy, giving an insight into the taxidermist's profession and the work of the Natural History Museum. There are also some iconic animals: Bobby the gorilla and Knut the polar bear, both formerly living at the Berlin Zoo, and reconstructions of a dodo and a Hesperornis regalis.
In addition to an exhibition on the cosmos and the solar system, there's also an exhibition on the evolution of the animal world, featuring numerous specimens. The "Biodiversity Wall" at the entrance to the room is very impressive. The educational level is very high in these two rooms.

Finally, there are three impressive collections: birds (for the ZUGvögel exhibition), insects, and minerals. All of these collections are extraordinary. There is a colossal number of specimens (11,500 birds, 15 million insects, 200,000 minerals).

Finally, to conclude, the Berlin Museum of Natural History is a must-see for the magnitude of its collections (30 million objects in total). If you spend a week in Berlin, I highly recommend it, as it complements zoos. I think I preferred this museum to the one in Paris, which is better known on the forum.
Any pictures?
 
We start in a room displaying skeletons and fossils of dinosaurs and other prehistoric animals. What really catches our eye is the impressive skeleton of a Brachiosaurus brancai. It's the largest reconstructed dinosaur skeleton in the world and is included in the Guinness Book of Records.
Other dinosaur skeletons and skulls are housed in the temporary exhibition "Dinosaurs!"
*Giraffatitan brancai as of 2009. ;)
 
I loved Berlin's Natural History Mueum, too. Especially because it is not structured. You are faced with hundreds of specimens and can marvel and discover themselves things you did not know they existed. Like insane fossils. It is much better than many 'modern' museums, which are basically primary school basic teaching aids, boring if you already know the barest basics.

I heartily recommend also Berlin's Botanical Garden and Ethnographial Museum in the south-west of the city. Both have similarly insanely rich collections which let you discover new things and marvel. The Botanical Garden has also much wildlife, like buzzards and foxes.
 
Conclusion on Berlin Zoos

I've come to the end of my reviews of Berlin's zoos, and it's time to move on to the comparative articles.
After visiting two zoos in the same city, one might be tempted to ask, "Which zoo is better?" Many people around me have asked me this question.
I must say that neither zoo is better than the other, and that this question is optional. Both zoos are excellent. Both have their strengths and weaknesses. For me, they are so similar and yet so different at the same time.

Let me explain. What makes Berlin Zoo so charming are its historic pavilions that can be visited. However, what makes Tierpark Berlin so charming is its wooded and very natural environment (and its castle!). The two zoos have different ways of presenting and showcasing their animals.
The Tierpark exhibits them in a natural environment, without major adaptations to the landscape. Even the most recent areas, such as the Savannah, the Alfred Brehm House, and the Himalayas, are meticulously landscaped and give a very natural appearance.
The Zoo, for its part, exhibits its animals in more "artificial," even thematic, environments (giraffe pavilion, rhino pagoda). However, most of the facilities are not unsuitable. I recall a quote from Heini Hediger, former director of the Bern, Basel, and Zurich zoos, in his book Man and Animals in Zoos: "The ideal solution, as far as zoos are concerned, is not to provide an exact imitation of a species' natural habitat, but rather to transpose the normal conditions of life in the wild, biologically speaking, into the artificial conditions of the zoo." And I believe that the Zoo, like the Tierpark, strives to do this. Finally, there's one last thing that sets them apart: the Zoo presents these animals taxonomically, while the Tierpark, with its new facilities, presents them geographically.

But these zoos are similar in several ways.
Both display many of their animals in indoor houses that can be visited, although the Tierpark has surprisingly few. And I think this is a very good idea for observing animals in all seasons and weather conditions.
There's also an emphasis on small mammals and birds, and many of these are rarities.
Finally, both are historic zoos, although the Tierpark is relatively new (1955), and as a zoo enthusiast with an appreciation for history, it's wonderful to see such old animal structures.

I think I've said it all. A stay in Berlin and exploring its zoos is definitely worth the eight-hour train journey (from Paris to Berlin, not to mention the three-hour train journey from Brittany to Paris). I've said it before, and I'll say it again: I can only recommend Berlin's zoos. All zoo lovers will find what they're looking for.
I think I'll return to Berlin in a few years, but before that, I have other visits planned, both in France and the rest of Europe!

Tomorrow or the day after, I'll publish my final article. I thank all the Zoochatters for your many likes and comments.
 
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