Zoo Berlin

Close-up look at a Sumatran Tiger in the Berlin Zoo
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.

Facts For Your Visit

Official Website: Zoo Berlin

Fee: Yes

Closed Now

Regular Hours:
Hours may be subject to change. Please verify on the official website.

  • 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

Category: Zoos

Address: Hardenbergplatz 8
10787 Berlin
Germany

Phone: +49 30 254010

Reviews

Yelp Rating:
4 out of 5 4 Star Rating
Based on 247 Reviews.

See all reviews on Yelp

5 Star Rating Berlin Zoo is known to be one of the oldest and most tremendous for its wide variety of beautiful and rare species, many of which can only be seen in this... Read More

Ahmed M. Dec-29-2022

4 Star Rating This is a cute zoo and the biggest in Germany. We spent the afternoon here and had such a great time. There was so much to see and enjoy. There were a few... Read More

Enxhi B. Jul-07-2023

4 Star Rating I found the zoo layout quite confusing, signage poor & overall accessibility poor- I also only saw the zoo- ran out of time to see the aquarium. But the... Read More

Lisa S. Oct-25-2019

Accommodations near Zoo Berlin:

Directions

How to get to Zoo Berlin by U-Bahn or S-Bahn

Nearest U-Bahn or S-Bahn Line(s): U2, U3, U9, S3, S5, S7, S9, S75
Nearest U-Bahn or S-Bahn Station(s): Berlin Zoologischer Garten

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Photo Gallery

Video


Video of a visit to the Berlin Zoo and Aquarium

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