View source for Berlin Zoo

{{Short description|Zoo in Berlin, Germany}}
{{distinguish|Tierpark Berlin|Berlin Zoologischer Garten railway station}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2021}}
{{Infobox zoo
|zoo_name=Berlin Zoological Garden<br />''Zoologischer Garten Berlin''
|logo=
|logo_width=150px
|logo_caption=
|image=Berlin Elefantentor 09-2017 b.jpg
|image_width=260px
|image_caption=The Elephant Gate: one of two zoo entrances
|date_opened=1844<ref name="zoo-infos"/>
|location= [[Berlin]], Germany
|coordinates= {{Coord|52|30|30|N|13|20|15|E|type:landmark_region:DE-BE_scale:5000|display=inline,title}}
|area= {{Convert|35|ha|acre|1}}<ref name="zoo-infos"/>
|num_animals= 20,219 (December 2017)<ref name=info1>{{Cite web|url=https://www.zoo-berlin.de/de/aktuelles/news/artikel/das-aufregende-jahr-2017-in-zahlen|title=Das aufregende Jahr 2017 in Zahlen – Inventur in Zoo, Tierpark und Aquarium Berlin|trans-title=The Exiting Year 2017 In Numbers – Stocktaking In Zoo, Aquarium And Tierpark|language=de|date=2 March 2018|website=Zoologischer Garten Berlin's website|access-date=2 March 2018|archive-date=26 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190926164635/https://www.zoo-berlin.de/de/aktuelles/news/artikel/das-aufregende-jahr-2017-in-zahlen|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|num_species= 1,373 (December 2017)<ref name=info1/>
|members=[[European Association of Zoos and Aquaria|EAZA]],<ref name="eaza_list"/> [[World Association of Zoos and Aquariums|WAZA]]<ref name="waza_list"/>
|annual_visitors  = More than 3.5 million (2017)<ref name=info1/>
|exhibits=
|director  =Andreas Knieriem
|website= {{URL|zoo-berlin.de}}
}}
The '''Berlin Zoological Garden''' ({{langx|de|link=no|Zoologischer Garten Berlin}}, {{IPA|de|tsoːoˌloːɡɪʃɐ ˈɡaʁtn̩ bɛʁˈliːn|pron|De-zoologischer Garten.ogg}}) is the oldest surviving and best-known [[zoo]] in Germany. Opened in 1844, it covers {{Convert|35|ha|acre|1}} and is located in [[Berlin]]'s [[Tiergarten (park)|Tiergarten]]. With about 1,380 different species and over 20,200 animals, the zoo presents one of the most comprehensive collections of species in the world.<ref name=info1/><ref name="Tierstatistik 2013"/>

The zoo and [[Aquarium Berlin|its aquarium]] had more than 3.5 million visitors in 2017.<ref name=info1/> It is the most-visited zoo in Europe and one of the most popular worldwide. Regular animal feedings are among its most famous attractions. Globally known animals like [[Knut (polar bear)|Knut]], the [[polar bear]], and {{ill|Bao Bao (born 1978)|lt=Bao Bao|de|Bao Bao}}, the [[giant panda]] have contributed to the zoo's public image.

The zoo collaborates with many universities, research institutes, and other zoos around the world. It maintains and promotes [[European Endangered Species Programme|European breeding programmes]], helps safeguard several endangered species, and participates in several species reintroduction programs.

== History ==
[[File:Actien-Verein des zoologischen Gartens 1909.JPG|thumb|left|Share of the zoo, issued 1 December 1909]]
Opened on 1 August 1844, the Zoologischer Garten Berlin was the second zoo in Germany after the short-lived "Thiergarten" in Hamburg-Horn. The aquarium opened in 1913. The first animals were donated by [[Frederick William IV of Prussia|Frederick William IV]], King of [[Prussia]], from the [[menagerie]] at Pfaueninsel island and [[pheasantry]] of the [[Großer Tiergarten|Tiergarten]]. The nearby [[Berlin Zoologischer Garten railway station|U-Bahn station]] was opened in 1882.

===Third Reich===
In 1938, the Berlin Zoo got rid of Jewish board members and forced Jewish shareholders to sell their stocks at a loss, before re-selling the stocks in an effort to [[Aryanization|Aryanize]] the institution. Starting in 1939, Jews were also prevented from visiting the zoo.<ref name="Haaretz">{{Cite news|url=https://www.haaretz.com/jewish/berlin-zoo-deals-with-nazi-past-1.5296834|title=Berlin Zoo Comes to Terms With Nazi Past, Seeks Out Former Jewish Shareholders|date=3 December 2013|work=Haaretz|access-date=8 October 2019|language=en}}</ref> Zoo director [[Lutz Heck]] was named chief of the Oberste Naturschütz Behörde im Reichsforstamt (highest nature preservation agency in the state department of forestry) by his friend [[Hermann Göring]] in the summer of 1938 and in this capacity he was the senior responsible person for the entire nature management.<ref name="Prenger, Kevin, War Zone Zoo, 2018">Prenger, Kevin, War Zone Zoo, 2018</ref>

===World War II===
During World War II, the zoo area was hit by [[Allied bombing of Berlin in World War II|Allied bombs]] for the first time on 8 September 1941. Most damage was done during the bombardments on 22 and 23 November 1943.

In less than 15 minutes, 30% of the zoo population was killed on the first day, and on the second day the aquarium building was completely destroyed by a direct hit. Of the eight elephants, only one survived, the bull Siam; two-year-old hippo bull Knautschke was saved from the gunfire in his animal house. Most damage was done during the [[Battle of Berlin]]: from 22 April 1945 onwards, the zoo was under constant [[artillery]] fire of the Red Army. Heavy fighting took place in the zoo area through 30 April, and safety measures forced the zoo keepers to kill some predators and other dangerous animals.

Next to the zoo stood the [[Zoo Tower]], a huge [[flak tower]] that was one of the last remaining areas of Nazi German resistance against the Red Army, with its bunkers and anti-aircraft weapons defending against [[Allied Air Forces Central Europe|Allied air forces]]. At the entrance of the zoo, there was a small underground shelter for zoo visitors and keepers. During the battle, wounded German soldiers were taken care of here by female personnel and the wives of zookeepers. On 30 April, the zoo flak bunker surrendered.

A count on 31 May 1945 revealed only 91 of 3,715 animals had survived, including two lion cubs, two hyenas, Asian bull elephant Siam, hippo bull Knautschke, ten [[hamadryas baboons]], a chimpanzee, and a [[black stork]]. After the battle, some animals had escaped, while some of the killed animals were subsequently eaten by Red Army soldiers.

Following the zoo's destruction, it and the associated aquarium were reconstructed on modern principles so as to display the animals in as close to their natural environment as then feasible. The success in breeding animals, including some rare species, demonstrates the efficacy of these new methods.<ref name="Prenger, Kevin, War Zone Zoo, 2018"/>

===Postwar period===
The zoo is located in what became [[West Berlin]], hence a second zoo—[[Tierpark Berlin]]—was built in [[East Berlin|the East]].<ref>{{cite book|title=Beautiful Berlin|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1AzGMP8LaBcC|year=1992|publisher=Ellert und Richter|isbn=978-3-89234-295-3|page=40|quote= as a result of division, Berlin has two planetariums, two philharmonic orchestras and concert halls, two Grand Hotels and two zoos. The [[Tierpark Berlin|Tierpark]], not to be confused with the Tiergarten, in [[Friedrichsfelde]] [is the new one in East Berlin.]}}</ref>
There was virtually no public attention paid to the zoo's Third Reich history until 2000, when [[Werner Cohn]], whose father was a former shareholder, wrote to enquire about the fate of those shares. The zoo initially denied that Jewish shareholders were forced to sell their shares, but as a public scandal ensued, it ultimately acknowledged this.<ref>[https://www.asiaone.com/world/berlin-zoo-seeks-jewish-members-stripped-shares Berlin Zoo seeks Jewish members stripped of shares]</ref> It commissioned a historian to identify these past shareholders and track down their descendants, according to a report by AFP.<ref name="Haaretz"/>

== Zoo ==
[[File:Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedaechtniskirche 05-13 view 07.jpg|thumb|left|View of Berlin Zoo from [[Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church]]]]
{| class="wikitable sortable" align=right
|-
! Group
! Species<ref name="Tierstatistik 2013" />
! Animals<ref name="Tierstatistik 2013" />
|-
| [[Mammal]]s
| 169
| 1,044
|-
| [[Bird]]s
| 319
| 2,092
|-
| [[Reptile]]s
| 69
| 357
|-
| [[Amphibian]]s
| 54
| 639
|-
| [[Fish]]
| 562
| 7,629
|-
| [[Invertebrate]]s
| 331
| 8,604
|- class="sortbottom"
| '''Total (2013)'''
| '''1,504'''
| '''20,365'''
|}
The Berlin Zoo is the most visited zoo in [[Europe]], with more than 3.3 million visitors per year from all over the world.<ref name=info1/> It is open all year long and can be reached easily by public transportation. The [[Berlin Zoologischer Garten railway station]] (also simply known as ''Zoo'') is one of Berlin's most important stations. Several modes of transport such as [[U-Bahn]], [[S-Bahn]] and buses are interlinked here. 

Visitors can either enter the zoo through the exotically designed [[Elephant]] Gate beside the aquarium on Budapester Straße or through the Lion Gate on Hardenbergplatz. The original Elephant Gate, built in 1899, was destroyed in World War II. It was faithfully reconstructed to original plans in 1984.<ref>{{Cite book |title=Elephant Gate (Berlin Zoological Garden) - Elefantentor (Zoologischer Garten Berlin) |year=1931 |volume=Band 25: Moehring-Olivié |publisher=E. A. Seemann}}</ref>  

The zoo has always maintained an extensive and diverse collection. At the outbreak of World War II there were 4000 birds and mammals of 1400 species, while the aquarium held 8300 reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates of 750 species. In 2001, the combined collection numbered 14188 animals of 1517 species, similar to present.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Fradrich |first=Hans |title=Guidebook to the Berlin Zoological Garden and its Aquarium |publisher=Zoologischer Garten Berlin |year=2002 |edition=2nd |pages=15}}</ref> The number of larger animals displayed has gradually thinned as enclosures become increasingly designed to recreate natural [[habitat]].

The zoo maintains studbooks for [[black rhinoceros|black]] and [[Indian rhinoceros]]es and [[gaur]]s. The populations of rare [[deer]] and [[Suidae|pigs]] are part of several [[captive breeding]] projects. Berlin Zoo supports conservationists in other countries (for instance, in [[Madagascar]]) and as a partner of the {{interlanguage link|Stiftung Artenschutz|de}}, a species protection foundation.

The zoo houses four types of [[great ape]]: [[orangutan]]s, [[gorilla]]s, [[chimpanzee]]s, and [[bonobo]]s.

The carnivore house displays all [[big cat]]s and many rare small predators, such as [[ring-tailed mongoose]]s and [[narrow-striped mongoose]]s from Madagascar. In the basement, visitors are invited to a view into the world of nocturnal animals.

The bird house presents a walk-through [[aviary]] and offers a broad variety of forms, including several regularly breeding species of hornbills and many parrots. Numerous big aviaries show waders, herons and many other species. The Berlin Zoo is one of the few zoos to exhibit [[tuatara]] (in the aquarium) and [[Luzon tarictic hornbill]]s.

== Aquarium ==
[[Image:Zoo Berlin Aquarium Fassade 3 b.jpg|thumb|The aquarium has one of the largest collections of aquatic life in Europe.]]
{{Main|Aquarium Berlin}}
The aquarium was built in 1913 as part of the Zoologischer Garten complex.<ref name="berlin_life"/> In addition to fish and other aquatic life, it is home to most of the zoo's reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates.

== Animals ==

Polar bear [[Knut (polar bear)|Knut]] was born at the zoo on 5 December 2006. He and his twin were directly rejected by their mother shortly after birth. He was subsequently raised by zookeeper [[Thomas Dörflein]] and became the center of a [[mass media]] phenomenon that spanned the globe, quickly spawning numerous toys, media specials, DVDs, books and other merchandise. Because of this, the cub was largely responsible for a significant increase in revenue, estimated at five million euros, at Berlin Zoo in 2007. Zoo attendance figures for the year increased by an estimated 30%, making it the most profitable year in its 165-year history.<ref name="cult"/> Knut died on 19 March 2011 after collapsing in his exhibit.

Bao Bao (1978–2012) was one of the first two [[giant pandas]] in Germany and became – for a time – the oldest known panda in captivity. He was housed together with the female panda Tjen Tjen (who died in 1984), given to West Germany by China in 1980. Between 1991 and 1993, Bao Bao was loaned to London Zoo. In 1995, back in his Berlin home, another female named Yan Yan was sent on loan from China in an attempt to mate with Bao Bao. In spite of several artificial insemination experiments, Bao Bao and Yan Yan produced no cubs. Yan Yan died in 2007. In summer 2017, giant pandas returned to Berlin Zoo, when Jiao Quing and Meng Meng arrived on a breeding loan from China.<ref name=panda2017>The Local (20 October 2016). [https://www.thelocal.de/20161020/berlin-zoo-to-have-a-pair-of-pandas-by-next-summer Berlin Zoo to have a pair of pandas by next summer.] Retrieved 23 April 2017.</ref> In September 2019, Meng Meng gave birth to twin male panda cubs, Pit und Paule.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dw.com/en/panda-meng-meng-gives-birth-to-twins-in-berlin-zoo/a-50255228|title=Panda Meng Meng gives birth to twins in Berlin Zoo|date=2 September 2019|website=DW.COM|language=en-GB|access-date=2 September 2019}}</ref> On 22 August 2024, Meng Meng gave birth to another pair of twin panda cubs, this time two females.<ref>{{Cite web |last=tagesschau.de |title=Berlin: Zoo präsentiert Panda-Nachwuchs erstmals der Öffentlichkeit |url=https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/regional/berlin/rbb-zoo-besucher-koennen-erstmals-juengsten-panda-nachwuchs-sehen-102.html |access-date=2024-10-18 |website=tagesschau.de |date=17 October 2024 |language=de}}</ref>

[[Fatou (gorilla)|Fatou]] the female gorilla was born on 13 April 1957. She came to the zoo at an estimated age of two. In 1974, she gave birth to the first gorilla to be raised in Berlin, Dufte.<ref>{{cite web|title=Zoo Berlin - Herzlich willkommen im Zoo Berlin. - Senior citizens meet for gorilla's birthday|url=http://www.zoo-berlin.de/en/news/latest-news/article/senior-citizens-meet-for-gorillas-birthday-1?tx_news_pi1%5Bcontroller%5D=News&tx_news_pi1%5Baction%5D=detail&cHash=fa91c577bfa502abadc7eb7061f342c0|website=www.zoo-berlin.de|language=en|access-date=26 January 2017|archive-date=2 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202025340/http://www.zoo-berlin.de/en/news/latest-news/article/senior-citizens-meet-for-gorillas-birthday-1?tx_news_pi1%5Bcontroller%5D=News&tx_news_pi1%5Baction%5D=detail&cHash=fa91c577bfa502abadc7eb7061f342c0|url-status=dead}}</ref> Since the death of Colo in January 2017, she is the oldest living gorilla in captivity of the world (now together with American gorilla Trudy).

<gallery mode="packed">
Image:Knut011.jpg|[[Knut (polar bear)|Knut]] and his keeper [[Thomas Dörflein]]

Image:Kuifseriema berlijn.jpg|[[Red-legged seriema]]
Image:Großer Panda Bao Bao Berlin W 03.jpg|[[Giant panda]] Bao Bao
Image:Inkaseeschwalbe Zoo Berlin.jpg|[[Inca tern]]
Image:Kamele Zoo Berlin 2.jpg|[[Bactrian camel]]
Image:Lion_Zoo.JPG|[[Lion]]
Image:Brughagedis in zoo berlin.jpg|[[Tuatara]]
Image:Eared-seals-playing-and-sunbathing.jpg|[[Brown fur seal]]
Image:Giraffe-berlin-zoo.jpg|[[Giraffe]]
Image:Sarcoramphus-papa-king-vulture-closeup-0a.jpg|[[King vulture]]
Image:Athene-cunicularia-burrowing-owl-0a.jpg|[[Burrowing owl]]
Image:Macropus-rufus-red-kangaroo-resting b.jpg|[[Red kangaroo]]
Image:Struthio-camelus-australis-grazing.jpg|Southern [[ostrich]]
Image:Brillenpinguine Zoo Berlin.jpg|[[Penguin]]s
Image:Antidorcas-marsupialis-springbok-grazing.jpg|[[Springbok (antelope)|Springbok]]
Image:Indischer_Elefantenbulle_in_der_Must.jpg|[[Asian elephant]]
Image:Tayra Zoo Berlin.jpg|[[Tayra]]
Image:Feuerweber Zoo Berlin 3.jpg|[[Black-winged red bishop]]
Image:Wolf Zoo Berlin.jpg|[[Arctic wolf]]
Image:Coati Zoo Berlin.jpg|[[South American coati]]
File:Braunbär Berlin Zoo img01.jpg|[[Brown bear]]
</gallery>

==Incidents / Criticism==
In 2008, Claudia Hämmerling, a Green Party MP, accused the zoo director, Bernhard Blaszkiewitz (also the director of [[Tierpark Berlin]]), of selling hundreds of animals for slaughter, in some cases to breeders in China for potency-boosting drugs.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2008/mar/28/wildlife.conservation|title = Berlin zoo accused of profiting from slaughter|website = [[TheGuardian.com]]|date = 28 March 2008}}</ref> The same year, Blaszkiewitz admitted to breaking the necks of several [[feral]] domestic housecat kittens found at the zoo.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-germany-kittens/berlin-zoo-chief-threatened-over-kitten-killings-idUKL2921838220080329|title = Berlin Zoo chief threatened over kitten killings|newspaper = Reuters|date = 29 March 2008}}</ref>

On April 13, 2009, a 32-year-old woman identified as Mandy K. was mauled by polar bears after jumping into their exhibit. She was rushed to the hospital and survived.<ref>{{cite web|title=Shocking pictures and video of woman mauled by polar bear at Berlin Zoo|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/shocking-pictures-and-video-of-woman-mauled-387568|website=mirror.co.uk/|date=10 April 2009|access-date=20 September 2014}}</ref> The woman had reportedly jumped into the enclosure in an attempt to [[take her own life]], after losing her job and her lover.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2009-04-14 |title=Polar bear woman's cry for help: Mandy K. had lost job and lover when she jumped at Berlin zoo |url=https://www.bild.de/news/bild-english/mandy-k-had-lost-job-and-lover-before-berlin-zoo-jump-7979824.bild.html |access-date=2025-11-06 |website=bild.de |language=de}}</ref>

In 2023, employees from the zoo's education department made serious allegations of exploitation and disrespect. They also criticised the fact that quality in the area of education was no longer a priority, although this is one of the main tasks of a scientifically working zoo. These accusations highlighted problems within the organisation and led to a wave of terminations by the zoo and resignations from dissatisfied employees. As a result, the original team was reduced to around a third of its previous size. These staffing shortages forced the management to limit the offers of guided tours.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Frust bei Berlins Zoo-Erklärern: "Wie gut eine Führung ist, ist total irrelevant" |url=https://www.tagesspiegel.de/berlin/frust-bei-berlins-zoo-erklarern-wie-gut-eine-fuhrung-ist-ist-total-irrelevant-10483255.html |access-date=2024-02-22 |work=Der Tagesspiegel Online |language=de-DE |issn=1865-2263}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-27 |title=Zoologischer Garten Berlin als Arbeitgeber: Gehalt, Karriere, Benefits |url=https://www.kununu.com/de/zoologischer-garten-berlin1 |access-date=2024-02-22 |website=kununu.com |language=de}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Schmolzi |first=Interview: Lukas |title=Zoo Berlin: »Ort der Ausbeutung und Geringschätzung« |url=https://www.nd-aktuell.de/artikel/1178622.kuendigungswelle-zoo-berlin-ort-der-ausbeutung-und-geringschaetzung.html |access-date=2024-02-22 |website=nd-aktuell.de |language=de}}</ref>

== See also ==
* [[List of zoos in Germany]]
* [[List of tourist attractions in Berlin]]
* [[Zoo flak tower]], built in 1941, demolished in 1947

==References==
{{Reflist|refs=

<ref name="Tierstatistik 2013">{{Cite web
 |url=http://www.tierpark-berlin.de/tierpark/tiere-wissenswertes/tierstatistik/tierstatistik-2013.html
 |title=Zoo Berlin Tierstatistik 2013
 |work=zoo-berlin.de
 |publisher=Zoo Berlin
 |access-date=18 January 2014
 |language=de
 |archive-date=12 July 2014
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140712091933/http://www.tierpark-berlin.de/tierpark/tiere-wissenswertes/tierstatistik/tierstatistik-2013.html
 |url-status=dead
 }}</ref>

<ref name="eaza_list">{{Cite web
 |url=http://www.eaza.net/membership/Pages/Zoos%20and%20Aquariums.aspx
 |title=EAZA Member Zoos & Aquariums
 |work=eaza.net
 |publisher=European Association of Zoos and Aquaria
 |access-date=5 September 2010
 |archive-date=19 August 2010
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100819151758/http://www.eaza.net/membership/Pages/Zoos%20and%20Aquariums.aspx
 |url-status=dead
 }}</ref>

<ref name="waza_list">{{Cite web
 |url=http://www.waza.org/en/site/zoos-aquariums
 |title=Zoos and Aquariums of the World
 |work=waza.org
 |publisher=WAZA
 |access-date=5 September 2010
 |archive-date=3 March 2016
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303215751/http://www.waza.org/en/site/zoos-aquariums
 |url-status=dead
 }}</ref>

<ref name="berlin_life">
 {{Cite web
 |url=http://www.berlin-life.com/berlin/zoo
 |title=A brief introduction to Berlin Zoo
 |work=berlin-life.com
 |publisher=Berlin Life
 |access-date=5 September 2010
}}
</ref>

<ref name="zoo-infos">
 {{Cite web
 |url=http://www.zoo-infos.de/zoos-en/41.html
 |title=Zoologischer Garten Berlin
 |work=zoo-infos.de
 |access-date=5 September 2010
}}
</ref>

<ref name="cult">
 {{cite news
 |url =http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article3042791.ece
 |archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20100529142314/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article3042791.ece
 |url-status =dead
 |archive-date =29 May 2010
 |title =Berlin Zoo culls creator of the cult of Knut
 |last=Boyes
 |first=Roger
 |work=[[The Times]]
 |publisher =The Times
 |location=London
 |date=13 December 2007
 |access-date=6 September 2010
}}
</ref>
}}

==External links==
{{Commons}}
*{{Official website|http://www.zoo-berlin.de}} {{in lang|de|en}}

{{Visitor attractions in Berlin}}
{{Zoos of Germany}}
{{Parks in Berlin}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Berlin Zoological Garden| ]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Berlin|Zoological Garden]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Mitte|Zoological Garden]]
[[Category:Parks in Berlin|Zoological Garden]]
[[Category:Zoos in Germany]]
[[Category:Educational organizations established in 1844]]
[[Category:Zoos established in the 19th century]]
[[Category:1844 establishments in Prussia]]
[[Category:Frederick William IV of Prussia]]