Berlin Zoo, or Zoologischer Garten in German, can be found inside the beautiful Tiergarten park. It covers 340,000 square metres and has almost 18,000 animals from 1,500 species. It opened in 1844, and was nearly destroyed in World War II. Now it is considered to be one of Europe’s finest zoological gardens, and has even been the home to some famous celebrities. The polar bear Knut, who was propelled to stardom and idolised through merchandise and TV appearances, lived here until he passed away in 2011.
The famous pagoda-style Elephant Gate, one of the most photographed structures in the city, is one of two entrances and gives a taste of the elegant layout and architecture found inside the zoo. Animals roam around in enclosures designed to replicate their natural habitat, so visitors can wander from the African savannah to the Australian outback.
Inside the zoo you will see an impressive menagerie including giant pandas, penguins, elephants, lions, meerkats, wolves and hippos, among others. There is also an aviary for bird lovers. The highlight is the symbolic animal of Berlin: the brown bear. Catch the animals at feeding time (times are available online), or have a go at feeding some yourself at the petting zoo including goats, geese and donkeys.
The map, which is also available in English, costs a little extra, but does give additional information about the zoo and all the inhabitants. When it gets to your own feeding time, there is a restaurant serving traditional German cuisine, as well as international dishes.
For a more aquatic adventure, the Berlin aquarium is next door, housed in an opulent mansion from the early 1900s. There are 250 tanks containing a variety of tropical and native fish, as well as crocodiles, sharks and insects.
The zoo is located in the southern section of the Tiergarten and is easy to reach by public transport. It is open every day, but hours vary according to season.
