Reviews of Berlin zoos by a Breton zoo enthusiast.
- Thread starter Tamandua56
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Tamandua56
Well-Known Member
German Zoos Compared to French Zoos
I've often heard people say that "German zoos are better than French ones."
I think the ideal answer would be: No, that's not true. Both countries have excellent zoos, and others that are not so good. This is another optional question. However, there are many differences between German and French zoos.
I'd like to point out that, so far, I've only visited the two Berlin zoos in Germany, but based on my knowledge, I'll discuss German zoos more broadly.
Management
In Germany, most zoos are municipal or association-run, often subsidized, and considered cultural institutions. I think German zoos maintain a zoological heritage comparable to museums.
In France, many zoos are private and operate in the same way as tourist businesses. The French economic model relies more on admission fees and the pursuit of profitability.
Location
Most German zoos are located in the heart of cities, where expansion isn't always possible.
In France, with a few exceptions (Vincennes, Jardin des Plantes, Mulhouse, etc.), zoos are located in the countryside.
Conservation and Education
Museography and education are central in Germany: many zoos have genuine educational centers, highly detailed displays, lectures, and scientific mediators. Some establishments have ties with universities.
Many French zoos emphasize the spectacular aspect. The educational aspect is progressing, but often remains less developed than in Germany.
Architecture and Animal Presentation
German zoos are often very old (before 1900), and the custom was to present animals in thematic or taxonomic houses. Generally, the houses presented the animals in small and rather artificial facilities. Fortunately, the living conditions of animals have generally improved, even if their habitats often remain artificial.
For the past 20 years in France, enclosure developments have been moving toward habitat reconstructions, often with a focus on spectacular staging (glass tunnels, animal shows, themed hotels). The public is placed at the heart of the experience, sometimes before the animal (safari cars, lodges with enclosure views).
Animal Species
Germany is a paradise for lovers of small animals, particularly small mammals (including rodents, marsupials, etc.) and small birds. Reptiles, amphibians, and insects are not overlooked either. In addition, many zoos have aquariums. Zoos also boast particularly extensive collections. In short, German zoos prioritize variety and zoological representation.
Generally presenting fewer species in total, French zoos favor emblematic and spectacular mammals (tigers, lions, elephants, giraffes, pandas, gorillas, etc.). Reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates are less common or relegated to smaller structures and are often the same from one zoo to another. Aquariums are separate but not integrated into large zoos.
Public and Social Perception
In Germany, zoos are perceived as cultural institutions in their own right, just like museums or opera houses. Given their location (mostly in cities), they are deeply rooted in the daily lives of Germans. I also think that Germans value the scientific, educational, and ecological role of zoos.
For me, French zoos are seen as places for occasional family outings, often linked to vacations or weekends.
Please note, I'm not lumping all zoos together. There are exceptions in every country. Although Germany seems to have maintained the same vision of zoos from the beginning, I find that with the rise of private zoos in France, some facilities (often the smaller ones) are trying to focus on smaller, endangered and rare species in captivity (Clères, Biotropica, Spaycific'Zoo, etc.), as well as educational programs, and seem more focused on conservation.
And certainly, in Germany, there are zoos that focus on immersing and amazement for visitors.
That was my last post on this thread. If you have any questions or comments about this article or others, please don't hesitate to ask.
Thank you once again for your likes, comments, and also your recommendations for visiting Berlin's zoos.
I've often heard people say that "German zoos are better than French ones."
I think the ideal answer would be: No, that's not true. Both countries have excellent zoos, and others that are not so good. This is another optional question. However, there are many differences between German and French zoos.
I'd like to point out that, so far, I've only visited the two Berlin zoos in Germany, but based on my knowledge, I'll discuss German zoos more broadly.
Management
In Germany, most zoos are municipal or association-run, often subsidized, and considered cultural institutions. I think German zoos maintain a zoological heritage comparable to museums.
In France, many zoos are private and operate in the same way as tourist businesses. The French economic model relies more on admission fees and the pursuit of profitability.
Location
Most German zoos are located in the heart of cities, where expansion isn't always possible.
In France, with a few exceptions (Vincennes, Jardin des Plantes, Mulhouse, etc.), zoos are located in the countryside.
Conservation and Education
Museography and education are central in Germany: many zoos have genuine educational centers, highly detailed displays, lectures, and scientific mediators. Some establishments have ties with universities.
Many French zoos emphasize the spectacular aspect. The educational aspect is progressing, but often remains less developed than in Germany.
Architecture and Animal Presentation
German zoos are often very old (before 1900), and the custom was to present animals in thematic or taxonomic houses. Generally, the houses presented the animals in small and rather artificial facilities. Fortunately, the living conditions of animals have generally improved, even if their habitats often remain artificial.
For the past 20 years in France, enclosure developments have been moving toward habitat reconstructions, often with a focus on spectacular staging (glass tunnels, animal shows, themed hotels). The public is placed at the heart of the experience, sometimes before the animal (safari cars, lodges with enclosure views).
Animal Species
Germany is a paradise for lovers of small animals, particularly small mammals (including rodents, marsupials, etc.) and small birds. Reptiles, amphibians, and insects are not overlooked either. In addition, many zoos have aquariums. Zoos also boast particularly extensive collections. In short, German zoos prioritize variety and zoological representation.
Generally presenting fewer species in total, French zoos favor emblematic and spectacular mammals (tigers, lions, elephants, giraffes, pandas, gorillas, etc.). Reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates are less common or relegated to smaller structures and are often the same from one zoo to another. Aquariums are separate but not integrated into large zoos.
Public and Social Perception
In Germany, zoos are perceived as cultural institutions in their own right, just like museums or opera houses. Given their location (mostly in cities), they are deeply rooted in the daily lives of Germans. I also think that Germans value the scientific, educational, and ecological role of zoos.
For me, French zoos are seen as places for occasional family outings, often linked to vacations or weekends.
Please note, I'm not lumping all zoos together. There are exceptions in every country. Although Germany seems to have maintained the same vision of zoos from the beginning, I find that with the rise of private zoos in France, some facilities (often the smaller ones) are trying to focus on smaller, endangered and rare species in captivity (Clères, Biotropica, Spaycific'Zoo, etc.), as well as educational programs, and seem more focused on conservation.
And certainly, in Germany, there are zoos that focus on immersing and amazement for visitors.
That was my last post on this thread. If you have any questions or comments about this article or others, please don't hesitate to ask.
Thank you once again for your likes, comments, and also your recommendations for visiting Berlin's zoos.