Berlin Zoological Garden is Germany’s oldest zoo, opened in 1844, in the southwest corner of Tiergarten. Its animal collection includes giant pandas, elephants, giraffes, big cats, hippos, penguins and seals, alongside a petting area and playgrounds. Shaded paths and landscaped grounds make the walk part of the visit. Add the adjacent aquarium for crocodiles, jellyfish and other aquatic life, but allow extra time: the zoo is large, and seeing both can take most of a day.
Germany’s oldest zoo
Berlin Zoological Garden opened in 1844 in Tiergarten and remains Germany’s oldest zoo. It was badly affected by bombing during the Second World War. Of the 3,715 animals held there at the time, only 91 remained by the war’s end. The zoo was rebuilt after the war.
The grounds cover around 35 hectares and bring a large range of species together in the city. The collection includes giant pandas, elephants, giraffes, lions, tigers, hippos, bears, monkeys, penguins and seals. The different animal houses and enclosures include areas for elephants, seals, penguins, antelopes and predators.
Pandas, feeding times and animal care
The giant pandas are among the zoo’s best-known residents. Feeding sessions take place during the day; check the current schedule online or by the ticket counter if you want to plan around one.
The zoo also works on breeding and reintroduction programmes for endangered species. Information at the zoo can help explain these efforts and the animals involved. A petting area gives younger visitors a chance for a more hands-on part of the visit.
Adding the aquarium
The adjacent aquarium extends a zoo visit with aquatic and other animals, including crocodiles, jellyfish, Komodo dragons and a blacktip reef shark. It has 250 tanks. A combined visit can fill much of a day, particularly if you stop at the playgrounds, food stands or animal houses along the way.
Take care with the aquarium exit: visitors who leave there cannot return to the zoo through the main entrance on a single-entry ticket. Plan your route before going in if you intend to see both.
Planning your visit
The zoo’s paths wind between exhibits, so seeing everything involves a good deal of walking and some backtracking. Shaded areas and places to pause, including cafes and snack stands, help break up the route. Playgrounds make the grounds a practical choice for families, while the size of the collection gives animal lovers plenty to explore.
Advance ticket purchase is recommended, especially if you want to avoid queuing at the entrance. The zoo is easier to explore when animals are more visible in warmer months; in winter, some may be harder to spot. If you have limited time or prefer a more spacious setting, Tierpark Berlin is another option, with a larger, greener site.
Perguntas frequentes
When did Berlin Zoological Garden open?
It opened in 1844 and is Germany’s oldest zoo.
How long should I plan for a visit?
Allow two to five hours, depending on how much of the zoo you want to see. Adding the aquarium can make it a full-day visit.
Can I leave the aquarium and re-enter the zoo?
Not on a single-entry ticket. If you exit through the aquarium, you cannot return through the zoo’s main entrance.
What animals can I see at Berlin Zoological Garden?
The collection includes giant pandas, elephants, giraffes, big cats, hippos, bears, penguins, seals and monkeys.
