History

Zoologischer Garten Berlin opened on 1 August 1844 as the first zoo in Germany. This makes it the oldest public limited company in the city.

The Aquarium was opened, designed by animal behaviour biologist Oskar Heinroth.

The first step in the international management of animal populations has been the establishment of studbooks. With the studbook for the European bison the first animal directory of its kind was created in 1923 at Zoo Berlin.

In the following years, grids were replaced by ditches and spacious open-air grounds with natural stone were built, which still shape the image today. These include the ibex rock and the lion habitat.

During the National Socialist dictatorship, the zoo served the regime unconditionally. Jewish members were pushed out of the supervisory board and made the zoo available as a venue for National Socialist propaganda shows.

During the Second World War, Berlin Zoo is almost completely destroyed; only 91 of over 4,000 animals survive the war. In the following years, various buildings such as the antelope house or the aquarium are reconstructed.

Zoologischer Garten Berlin started breeding rare or endangered animals like black rhinos and Przewalski’s horses.

The futuristic Hippo House and penguin habitat were built.

Zoo Berlin became world famous with the birth of polar bear cub Knut. By that time, Zoo Berlin had grown into the most species-rich zoo in the world.

Under the leadership of Zoo Director Dr Andreas Knieriem, Zoo Berlin enjoys great popularity. Every year millions of people from all over the world are amazed by our pandas, elephants, gorillas and more.

Berlin has pandas again! With a big ceremony and in the presence of German Chancellor Angela Merkel and China's President Xi Jinping, the Pandas Jiao Qing and Meng Meng are solemnly welcomed.

Germany's first panda offspring, Pit and Paule, were born in summer 2019.