Berlin Zoo, or Zoologischer Garten in German, covers 84 acres (34 hectares) in the impressive Tiergarten park in the city center. The zoo opened in 1844 and was almost completely decimated in World War II. Now one of Europe's great zoological gardens, it’s home to nearly 18,000 animals from 1,500 species. It's attracted its fair share of celebrity too. It was here the polar bear Knut became an international star a few years ago, idolized through merchandise and TV appearances, before sadly passing away in 2011. When you enter the zoo, get your camera ready to capture one of the most photographed structures in Berlin: the Elephant Gate, one of two entrances at the zoo. This pagoda-style arch sets the tone for the zoo’s elegant layout and architecture. The animals are housed in areas built to resemble their natural habitat, including the African savannah and Australian outback.Giant pandas, penguins, elephants, lions, meerkats, wolves and hippos are among the animals you’ll see. There’s also a walk-through aviary. Don't miss the symbolic animal of Berlin: the brown bear. You can watch the bears, and nearly all the other animals, at one of the regular feeding times. Check the website for details. Children and their parents can help feed the goats, geese and donkeys at the petting zoo. Pick up a zoo map (available in English), at an additional cost, which lists useful information about the zoo’s inhabitants. When it's time for a rest stop, the zoo's main restaurant serves traditional German cuisine, as well as international dishes.Next door is the Berlin Aquarium, housed in an opulent early 1900s mansion. It has 250 tanks showcasing tropical and native fish, crocodiles, sharks and insects. The zoo is located in the southern section of the Tiergarten and is easy to get to by public transport. It is open every day, but hours vary according to season.
Zoo Berlin
Visit Zoo Berlin
The Mandala Hotel Berlin
Reviewed on 21 Oct 2024
Reviews of Zoo Berlin
3/5 - Okay
Like any zoo sometimes the animals aren't as up to moving around but would much rather sleep. Be prepared for this possibility so you don't get too disappointed if you don't get to see all the animals you planned to. I recommend looking what times they feed certain animals and coordinate your trip accordingly. Alternatively I suggest at least seeing the Aquarium if anything
5/5 - Excellent
You are going to have to spend all day there - even in winter.
4/5 - Good
Quiet when we visited (end November) but imagine it would be horrendous in high season. Good selection of animals but some advertised were not there (meercats, polar bear, wild dogs). They had closed all but two of the eateries so food selection and drinks were limited. They advertised specific feeding times but then nobody turned up to feed the animals.
5/5 - Excellent
Great if you like zoos and aquarium. £21 and you will fill a complete day here.
3/5 - Okay
Got to the station looked around too touristy so walked around the back street's for local colour.
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