Berlin Zoological Garden

The Berlin Zoo, located in the Charlottenburg district, is one of the oldest and most prestigious zoological gardens in the world. Inaugurated on August 1, 1844, the zoo covers an area of 35 hectares and houses over 20,000 animals of approximately 1,300 species, making it one of the richest and most diverse zoological collections globally. The history of the Berlin Zoo begins with Frederick William IV of Prussia, who donated a part of his private collection of exotic animals for the creation of a public zoo. The architect Peter Joseph Lenné was tasked with designing the zoological garden, which was built on the grounds of the royal hunting grounds of Tiergarten. The zoo was an immediate success, attracting visitors from all over Europe thanks to its innovative exhibition of animals in spacious and natural environments. During World War II, the Berlin Zoo suffered devastating damage. Allied bombings destroyed much of the structures and killed many of the animals. By the end of the conflict, only 91 animals survived. However, thanks to reconstruction efforts, the zoo reopened in 1952, becoming a symbol of rebirth and resilience for the city of Berlin. In the following years, the zoo was expanded and modernized, with the addition of new exhibition areas and facilities for the animals. One of the most famous attractions of the Berlin Zoo is the aquarium, inaugurated in 1913. The aquarium is an imposing structure that houses a wide range of marine and freshwater species, including sharks, rays, jellyfish, and corals. The aquarium is divided into three floors, each dedicated to different aquatic environments, offering visitors an immersive and educational experience. Another point of interest is the “Elephant Gate,” the eastern entrance of the zoo, characterized by two majestic stone elephant statues. This iconic entrance has become one of the most recognizable symbols of the zoo and represents the park’s commitment to the conservation and protection of endangered species. Over the years, the Berlin Zoo has participated in numerous conservation and breeding programs for endangered species. For example, it is known for its success in breeding giant pandas. The first giant panda, Bao Bao, arrived in 1980 as a gift from China, followed by numerous other individuals. In 2017, the panda couple Meng Meng and Jiao Qing gave birth to two cubs, an event that attracted international media attention and highlighted the crucial role of the zoo in protecting this vulnerable species. From an architectural point of view, the zoo combines historical elements with modern structures. In addition to the Elephant Gate, other historic buildings, such as the Lion House and the Bird Palace, have been restored to maintain their original charm. At the same time, new structures, such as the Panda Garden, have been designed to meet the highest standards of animal welfare and sustainability. In recent years, the zoo has continued to innovate and improve its facilities. Recent projects include the renovation of the aquarium and the expansion of areas dedicated to specific species, such as large felines and primates. These efforts aim to ensure that the Berlin Zoo remains at the forefront in the field of conservation and zoological education. An interesting anecdote concerns Knut, a polar bear cub born in the zoo in 2006. Abandoned by his mother, Knut was raised by the zookeepers, becoming a global celebrity. His story of survival and charisma captured the public’s imagination, attracting millions of visitors and bringing attention to the situation of polar bears in the wild.