Affectionately known as the Zoo on the south-west corner of the Tiergarten, this is Berlin’s favourite family spot - a wonderfully kept urban Zoo with a huge playground, restaurants, and coffee shops, providing a whole day’s worth of family entertainment. A site Berliners are justly proud of, this large and very well-kept Zoo is home to 13,700 animals and 1,400 species. The Berlin Zoo and its animals are part of local life and most Berliners will be aware of the news of a new arrival.

Rare among city zoos, the Zoologischer Garten was founded in 1844 on the initiative of zoologists Alexander von Humboldt and Martin Lichtenstein and was the first Zoo to be built in Germany. Under Friedrich Wilhelm IV it became a joint project by Martin Lichtenstein and Peter Joseph Lennè who had redesigned the Tiergarten and allocated the southwestern tip of the Tiergarten as a zoological garden. Prior to this a Pheasantry had served the royal kitchen from 1742. The royal family’s private zoo had been on the Pfaueninsel (Pheasant Island) where pheasants can still be seen strutting around.

Numerous architects worked on the design of the urban habitats for the specific animal. The Antelope House dates back to 1872 and the Elephant House to 1873. The Hippopotamus House (1997) is an example of more modern concepts applied for the well-being of the animals. Under a 13,000 square feet glass solar panel roof the hippopotamuses can be viewed beneath the water and the animals are no longer simply on display.

There are two impressive main entrances – the Lion Gate on Hardenbergplatz, and the Elephant Gate next to the Aquarium on Olof Palme Platz. The Zoo is visited regularly by 3 million animal enthusiasts – Berliners eagerly follow the development of newborns and recent stars have been the panda Bears and of course Knut, the baby polar bear who became a local legend and subject to a number of pop hit singles.

Feeding Times for many different animals can be checked prior to your visit on the Zoo’s website. Guided tours for adults and children (minimum 5 persons) are available in English as well as birthday tours.