Zoo Berlin

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Close-up look at a Sumatran Tiger in the Berlin Zoo cc licensed photo by Tambako The Jaguar

With over 3.5 million annual visitors (including the aquarium), Zoo Berlin is of the most popular attractions in Berlin. It’s the oldest Zoo in Germany and is home to more species than any other zoo in the world. Today the 80 acre zoo has more than 20,000 animals representing over 1300 species.

Zoo Berlin is located in Tiergarten at one of the city’s major transport hubs - Berlin Zoologischer Garten often referred to as the Zoo. Directly served by the U-Bahn, S-Bahn and multiple bus lines, it is easy to get to.

Zoo Berlin’s mandate goes well beyond displaying animals that people normally don’t get to see. It is highly specialized in its focus on global conservation efforts and preserving endangered species.

To this end, they work closely with universities, research facilities and other zoos from around the globe to support breeding programs and help reintroduce endangered species.

They also work closely with Berlin's other large zoo, Tierpark Berlin which came into being

Highlights of the zoo include the Hippopotamus House, Panda Garden, Eagle Canyon, Penguin World, Great Apes, and the World of Birds with free-flight halls.

Aquarium Berlin is also part of Zoo Berlin, but it can be visited separately or with a combination pass for only slightly more. We have more information about Aquarium Berlin on a separate page.

Zoo Berlin invests considerable effort to house its animals in enclosures that mimic their natural environments.

For an additional fee, you can take part in one of several guided tours around different themes providing additional insights into the animals and taking you behind the scenes.

History

The idea to open a zoological garden originated with the director of the zoological museum and a professor at Berlin University Martin Hinrich Lichtenstein. He was an advisor to the King and in charge of his collection of animals. Working with naturalist Alexander von Humboldt, and landscape architect Peter Joseph Lenné the project was given the go-ahead.

The zoo took 3 years to build and first opened in 1844 with animals donated from the menagerie and pheasantry of King Friedrich Wilhelm IV.

The zoo underwent multiple expansions and was home to over 4000 animals by the start of the Second World War. Tragically, only 91 survived the war which was heavily damaged, especially near the end when it was one of the last areas of Nazi German resistance.

Since the war, the zoo has been and continues to be progressively restored and updated becoming the world-class facility it is today.

See the complete line of Berlin Experiences on Viator

Facts For Your Visit

Fee: Yes

Zoo Berlin Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays

Monday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Address: Hardenbergpl. 8, 10787 Berlin, Germany

Official Website: Zoo Berlin

Zoo Berlin Reviews

Rated 4.5 out of 5 Star Rating

5 Star Rating Best zoo in Europe. Seeing the panda and cub was really special. Highly recommend booking as far in advance as possible - €47 for 2 rather than €72 on the day. Quite a big zoo that's easy to walk around. Food inside is good and reasonably price. If you go to the big cats early on they are active!
Sam Eagers - 2 weeks ago

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5 Star Rating I really enjoyed my visit to the Berlin Zoo. I bought my ticket online in advance as it was cheaper and when I arrived there was no queues at all and I got straight in. The zoo was vast and impressive, and there was so much to see. It didn’t feel too busy so nobody got in my way. Sadly the penguins were hiding, but I think work was being undertaken on their pool. The gift shop was great and reasonably priced.
Chris Jeffery - 2 weeks ago

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5 Star Rating Nice atmosphere, I bought the tickets before hand and I really recommend doing that. It’s a very big zoo and it’s nice to walk around and be surrounded by animals. The signs are very clear and it’s easy to find different animals. The animals are really cute to see and my daughter (3 years old) was really happy and content. But maybe the bigger animals should have a bigger space.
emina halilovic - 3 months ago

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5 Star Rating Definitely one of the better zoos I've visited. I'm quite impressed with how beautiful the whole zoo is and how natural all the habitats and pathways are. Animals look well-taken care of and everything is clean and tidy.
Milvia Hristova - a month ago

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5 Star Rating Very good value for money. The views of the animals are very impressive whilst not seemingly impacting on the quality of life of the animals. Amenities and restaurants are good. Ice cream stands at every corner on a hot day. Plenty of seating areas. Huge zoo with a wide range of animals to see. Train connection is right outside.
Mark S - 3 months ago

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