Zoo Berlin
Founded 1844 · Germany
Zoo Berlin (Berlin)
Founded 1844 · Germany
Zoo Berlin is a zoo of superlatives: Germany's oldest and most visited zoological garden, founded in 1844, and one of the most species-rich zoos on Earth. Nestled in the heart of the capital, it has delighted generations of families for more than 180 years.
Home to Germany's only giant pandas and a legendary Aquarium, Zoo Berlin houses 18,887 animals from 1,015 species (2023 inventory). From pandas and gorillas to crocodiles and jellyfish, a single ticket unlocks one of Europe's greatest wildlife days out.
Highlights
- Germany's oldest zoo — founded 1844, celebrating 180+ years
- Germany's only giant pandas
- One of the most species-rich zoos worldwide — 1,015 species
- 18,887 animals in Zoo Berlin with Aquarium (2023 official count)
- 3.85 million annual visitors
- Legendary Aquarium with crocodiles, jellyfish and tropical fish
- 33 hectares in the heart of Berlin beside Tiergarten park
- Daily animal feedings and keeper experiences
- Active global species conservation programme
- Combined ticket with Aquarium saves on gate prices
Animals you'll meet
- Giant pandas
- Gorillas
- Elephants
- Lions
- Polar bears
- Hippos
- Crocodiles
- Jellyfish
- Flamingos
- Penguins
- Komodo dragons
- Wolves
About the zoo
Signature Habitats
Key areas that define a visit to Zoo Berlin.
- Panda Garden — home to Germany's only giant pandas
- Aquarium Berlin — reptiles, amphibians and tropical seas under one roof
- Gorilla House — modern habitat for the zoo's gorilla family
- Predator House and Big Cat enclosures
- Historic Elephant Gate entrance — an architectural landmark since 1899
- Daily feeding sessions throughout the park
Must-See Experience
A full day of discovery in the city centre. Seasonal events, night tours and the combination ticket with the Aquarium make it easy to explore both land and water worlds. The 2023 annual count of 26,684 animals across Zoo Berlin, Tierpark Berlin and the Aquarium underlines the scale of this capital institution.
Conservation Impact
With one million species threatened worldwide, Zoo Berlin's species conservation programme works globally for animals and wild habitats. Field projects, breeding programmes and public education turn every visit into support for endangered species.
Plan Your Visit
Allow a full day to explore the zoo and Aquarium. Seasonal opening hours extend in summer — arrive early to see animals at their most active. Online tickets offer significant savings over gate prices and skip the queue at Germany's busiest zoo.
History
- 1844
Zoo Berlin founded — Germany's first zoological garden
- 1869
Aquarium Berlin opens, one of the first public aquariums in the world
- 1899
Iconic Elephant Gate completed as the main entrance
- 1980
Giant pandas arrive, beginning a celebrated chapter
- 2023
Annual inventory: 18,887 animals, 1,015 species and 3.85 million visitors
- 2024
180th anniversary celebrated with special exhibitions and events
Conservation
Zoo Berlin's species conservation programme works globally for animals and wild habitats, supporting field projects, breeding programmes and public education.
- Berlin World Wild — global habitat protection
- Species conservation programmes worldwide
- Research partnerships with universities
- Patronage programmes for endangered species
- Breeding and field projects for threatened species