Berlin Zoologischer Garten
As you will frequently find with Berlin, it has two of everything that most cities have one of. Zoos are no exception, and Berlin is the proud owner of both the Zoologischer Garten (Zoological Garden) and Tierpark Berlin-Friedrichsfelde (Animal Park Berlin-Friedrichsfelde). This anomaly isn’t a penchant amongst Berliners for the superfluous, but a throwback from the Wall days when Berlin was forced to develop as two separate cities, with two sets of everything – one for the East and one for the West.
Berlin Zoologischer Garten in the West of the city is the oldest zoo in Germany, opening way back in 1844, after King Friedrich Wilhelm IV moved 850 animals from his royal collection to the new garden. Over the subsequent one and a half centuries or so the zoo has grown to be one of the largest in the world, housing some 15,000 animals of around 1,400 different species. It is also one of the most popular, attracting a whopping 3,300,000 visitors a year, which in part can be attributed to its handy location by Zoo Bahnhof, the train station to which it gives its name. Remember the song by U2 anybody?
Amongst the impressive collection of beasts you can count on seeing all the biggies, such as gorillas, hippos, lions and pandas as well as a large number of herd animals in recreated areas of savannah and Australian steppe. On either a separate or joint ticket you can also visit the Aquarium, which was built in 1913 as part of the Zoologischer Garten complex. In addition to its 250 fish tanks, the Aquarium houses a wide variety of amphibians and reptiles - including the magnificent Komodo dragon.
The Berlin Zoologischer Garten has been criticized in the past for being too cramped (only 74 acres), for the number of animals it holds, although in more recent times improvements have been made. It is open daily from 0900-1830 (1700 in winter) and entrance is 10 Euros, with discounts for all the usual suspects...
|  This zoo is one of the best in the world! 
|
reviewed by Mark B from United Kingdom on Aug.25.2010 |
| I have just read SPIEGEL and sorry to hear that KNUT has a sore paw! I love KNUT and trust you are taking care of him. I also read Thomas Dorflein said KNUT is play acting. Is that Dr. Thomas Dorflein? I'm glad KNUT is a bear and not a human child. A little compassion goes a long way! The more interviews I read on Mr. Dorflein, the more I'm convinced he should not be allowed to speak in public. Let's see.... he is annoyed when people offer to buy him a drink. He gets angry that people want to shake his hand or put an arm around him for a hug? He deserserves a medal for being a GRUMP! God Bless KNUT! God Bless Berlin Zoo! God Bless Germany! |
reviewed by Sherry L. Smith from United States on Sep.12.2007 |
| People (Peta) need to leave Mr. Doerflein and Knut alone! This very loving man with a heart for the most beautiful animals on the planet has giving this most wonderful gift to an animal that was pushed aside by its on mother. How can these people who have a problem with this complain? They must have nothing else in their lives to do except to complain about the love that is giving one of GOD's most magnificent creatures. Don't blame Knut for the love he receives from a man that has so much to give. You people really need to get a life. Instead of complaining and trying to kill something God has givin us. Thank God for the heart of the man that has giving it with his whole heart. Something you people lack in so very much.
Thank You Thomas for giving me this chance to see a wonderful heart in Knut, to grow and love. He is a wonderful creature of God and is NOT meant to die by the hands of people who say they are for the animals.
Thank You Thomas
Renee |
reviewed by Renee Nielsen from United States on Jul.11.2007 |
| What was the point in saving Knut in the first place if you're only going to kill him now he's not quite so cute.
I say allow him to live and, yes, he may be a little bit more friendly towards humans than 'wild' bears but given the power of polar bears isn't that a good thing? |
reviewed by Lady_V from United Kingdom on May.23.2007 |
| animals should be free |
reviewed by Bob from United States on May.08.2007 |
| Please tell me how I can get a stuffed teddy like knut?
Kindest regards,
Bernard |
reviewed by Bernard W. Goering from United States on Mar.27.2007 |
| I VOTE FOR KNUT . WHAT A BEAUTIFUL CREATURE.A REAL BENEFACTOR TO THE Z0O . |
reviewed by anthony gilardi from United States on Mar.25.2007 |
| The Animals need us more now than ever. Humans are not the only kind put on this EARTH. I think that KNUT should live and always be taken care of... He is in a ZOO, that is What is done at ZOO's! GOD BLESS, ZOO KEEPERS, and Zoo olygists and The people who LOVE Animals.... Thank you for giving this little guy a chance... |
reviewed by Annmarie Ryan from United States on Mar.24.2007 |
| Thank God for common sense. Little Knut lives on. Can anyone tell me how to view the web cam they have set up. Our animals deserve respect and this poor baby will be much loved. |
reviewed by Carolan from Australia on Mar.24.2007 |
| I really admire the zoo and particularly the wonderful keeper who is looking after this beautiful little cub. He deserves a life and he is lucky to have someone who loves him and has made the commitment to care for him. God bless them both. |
reviewed by Felicite Gunther from Australia on Mar.24.2007 |
| To the Berlin Zoo staff, I think it wonderful what you are doing with the aminals at your Zoo and thank you saving this wonderful creation of life.
This world is so cruel to animals.
I hope keep us informed on his progess.
Keep up the good work. |
reviewed by Glenda Rose from United States on Mar.23.2007 |
| What the hell is this sick planet coming to when the deranged rantings of a gang of yobs declaring they want a Polar bear cub put down is even listened to. Well done Berlin Zoo for taking this suggestion for what it is, utter rubbish. If the 'conservation' brigade require blood ... let it be there own. |
reviewed by Steve Plows from United Kingdom on Mar.23.2007 |
| Frank Albrecht is the devil. |
reviewed by grrrrr.... from United States on Mar.22.2007 |
| To the Berlin Zoo,
I also diagree to put that little polar
bear to sleep ,I rather put that activist to sleep that guy is not human
I belief animals are better than Humans
we can learn a lot more from animals than humans.So they can grow this little bear and enjoy him for a long time at the zoo and let him play with the kids he would love that.
Regards Hans |
reviewed by Hans Brinkhuis from United States on Mar.22.2007 |
| I completely disagree with the "animal activist" wanting Knut to be put down.
Polar bears are an endangered species as global warming is causing their habitat and food supplies to dwindle.
In addition, there are people organising hunting trips for rich businessmen to shoot polar bears and that is perfectly legal.
If the animal activists who want Knut to be put down are so keen on conservation, maybe they should confront those who shoot bears for fun.
We are destroying those animals and their natural habitats and the least we can do to redeem ourselves is to help one of them by bringing it up in a safe environment where it will be fed regularly and well looked after all his life.
Better that than starving or shot dead in the Artic...
|
reviewed by Carine from United Kingdom on Mar.22.2007 |
| It is a stupid idea of an anmal activis Frank Albrecht in Germany and I think his idea to put to dearh the little and lovely baby polar bear "KNUT". I believe his bad idea is not only madness but cruel indeed. KNUT was born in zoo, though his wild mother was rejected him, it is quite natural in nature, but KNUT desurve lovely touch of human and protection too. Definitely not death. I think, Mr. Frank Albrecht may kill his won children, if his honey reject the child at his home, such a mad guy should be removed from any amazing Institution.Finally, I should convey my heartfelt thanks to the Children and right people of Germany and the brave man and activist of animal protection group "German Federation for the protection of Animals" Mr. Wolfgang Apel. I congratulate the German Zoo peple and all its staffs. I convey my lovely love to KNUT. He should be alive and grow.
Thanks
David |
reviewed by DAVID GHOSH from India on Mar.22.2007 |
| Keep Knut alive! |
reviewed by Bill Fairer from United States on Mar.22.2007 |
| The right decision was made to keep the baby polar bear alive.
Those who say they are animal activist and wanted this animal dead ,should not consider themselfs animal activist.
As soon as man was here on this earth we started to interfere with the animals ,there for it is up to us to take care of all animals.
We help animals
you can too! |
reviewed by www.lifecircus.com from United States on Mar.21.2007 |
| I honestly can't believe that the vet who was compassionate enough to save a life, would be cruel enough to take the life of the baby polar cub....I have faith that he will not allow harm to come to the baby. He has my support in the decision to save an endangered species in order for future generations to know that some people did think about more than themselves! |
reviewed by Mia from United States on Mar.21.2007 |
| I could understand the animal rights idiots / activists (interchangeable in this case I think) point of view IF the cub had been born in the wild.
BUT, the cub was born in captivity so the laws of the jungle, so to speak, do not apply |
reviewed by cdsuyer from United States on Mar.21.2007 |
| How can anyone want to kill something after it was saved from death. All life is important, and no person has the right to kill. |
reviewed by Brenda from United States on Mar.21.2007 |
| how ccould it be suggested that Knut should be put down, how terrible, well done on your stance on this matter, keep him safe, he is beautiful |
reviewed by Debbie from United Kingdom on Mar.20.2007 |
| What are the animal rights campaigners thinking. Is Knut destined to an Arctic life when mature? No! He will live a long, and healthy life at his real home, Berlin Zoo. Bravo to you Thomas Doerflein for standing your ground. |
reviewed by Peter Egan from Australia on Mar.20.2007 |
| I was born in Schwerin many years ago. As a German, I applaud your stand on Knut. He deserves to live as much as I do. We're both pretty cute. |
reviewed by Hans-Peter Dziendziel Rast from United States on Mar.20.2007 |
| I understand the "let nature take its course" opinion, but isn't it antiquated? I believe humans have done enough damage to this beautiful blue planet to give a green light to preserving life wherever and whenever we can, even desensitized naturalists. |
reviewed by Tom McDonald from United States on Mar.20.2007 |
| THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!! FOR SAVING THIS BEAUTIFUL ANIMAL. STAND FIRM. IF THESE ANIMAL RIGHTS PEOPLE LOVE ANIMALS MAYBE THEY SHOULD RETHINK WHAT THEY LOVE ABOUT THEM LIFE OR DEATH! PROTECT THE ANIMALS THAT ARE ABUSED, NOT THE ONES LIKE THIS ONE THAT HASNT HURT ANYONE OR ANYTHING AND HAS MANY YEARS TO LIVE A GREAT LIFE, AND MAKE US ADULTS AND CHILDREN SMILE. MAY GOD FORGIVE THE ONES WHO WANT TO KILL FOR NO REASON. |
reviewed by Ginger from United States on Mar.20.2007 |
| I read with disgust that 'animal rights' activists want Knut destroyed, keep that beautiful bear alive and damn those idiots... such an endangered animal deserves to live, wherever that may be..
|
reviewed by Pete from United Kingdom on Mar.20.2007 |
| I am thankful to the Berlin Zoo for making the effort to save the polar bear cub. I have read the uproar by animal rights activists, and would offer another thought. Who?s to say the mother wasn?t the biological aberration by neglecting her offspring and BOTH cubs should have been saved? As rare as these bears are, it disturbs me to think about terminating a perfectly viable life.
|
reviewed by Edward Roop from United States on Mar.20.2007 |
| I applaud all of you who are standing firm on allowing this beautiful animal to gorw up and live a long and fruitful life. Eforts like this are what help to ensure that our childrens children have the ability to see these animals in more ways than just in books and pictures. |
reviewed by Ross Karbarski from United States on Mar.20.2007 |
| please dont killed ickle knut hes great? what right do we have to take the life of the cub! i understand its not natural to help,but the cub will prob not see outside the park anyway!!!!!
i love this little guy!!!!!!11111111 |
reviewed by Gemma Quinn from United Kingdom on Mar.20.2007 |
| Thanks to Berlin Zoo for standing firm and ensuring that this beautiful animal can enjoy life. |
reviewed by Mark from United Kingdom on Mar.20.2007 |
| My Goodness, who do you think you are, deciding on what animal gets killed and which ones are able to live. It is not your job to be playing God. This Polar Bear is perfect and beautiful, there is nothing wrong with it. Remember, we took these bears out of their habitat to protect them, not to decide who lives and dies. We can learn so much by raising this bear on our own for further studies and even better protection. You need to stop and think, because at the present time, you are not. It's our job to protect. May God have mercy on the soul who even thought of this atrocity.
THE UNITED STATES LOVES KNUT, SAVE KNUT!!! SAVE KNUT!!!! SAVE KNUT!!! |
reviewed by Erik from United States on Mar.20.2007 |
| I would like to say that this is barbaric and should be stopped. How could you justify killing a cub that has been abandoned by its mother. If it was in the wild let nature take its course but you have them in your zoo in captivity. They are precious animals of GOD who are now endangered by our environmental destruction and you want to kill off a perfectly healthy animal who could later breed more bears. I hope you don't kill him. Do you kill an abandoned baby found in a dumpster, no you raise it and nurture it to offer it a future. Animals are no different. Please don't kill Knut he has a chance of going on to live a healthy happy life, don't cut it for you own insane logic. Save the POLAR BEARS!!!! |
reviewed by Osi from United States on Mar.20.2007 |
| I would like to say that I am seriously hoping that you will spare the life of knut. I see absolutely no reason why her life should be taken away. She brings such life and happiness to those who come and visit her and to those who take care of her. Just seeing her picture on the computer and how happy she looks, made me smile and brightened my day. I just think it would be an absolute shame as well as extremely wrong and cruel to kill her. |
reviewed by from Denmark on Mar.20.2007 |
| Bravo for saving the life of Knut! In a world where polar bears are endangered, how can anyone think of putting this one down? He deserves a long, healthy, happy life. Bravo! Great decision! |
reviewed by Sharon from United States on Mar.20.2007 |
| I am proud of the veternarian who stood up for the polar bear! Animal Rights groups should focus on the animals people are harming via: shooting, abusing, neglecting and leave alone the doctor who is more experienced in caring for this bear. |
reviewed by Shannon from United States on Mar.19.2007 |
| gestern habe ich einen Artikel in dem Magazine "in Touch dated 2/12/07" gelesen ueber den - polar bear - der nach 30 Jahren in dem Berliner Zoo gebohren ist. Ich komme von Berlin, Mein Bruder ebenfalls ebenfalls in Berlin/Schoeneberg gebohren heisst Knut Apitz und meine Mutter war Toska Apitz. Sagen wir das das ein zufall ist? Bitte schreiben Sie zurrueck... mein Bruder ist auch in den Staaten und seine e-mail adresse ist - apitzfarm@webtv.net. Toska Quinnies geb. Apitz |
reviewed by Toska Quinnies from United States on Feb.16.2007 |