New Realm for Big Paws at Zoo Berlin
Berlin, March 26, 2026 – Zoo Berlin has officially unveiled a modern jungle landscape designed for its Sumatran tigers, Banyu (2) and Luise (3). The new habitat, which offers varied terrain and shaded retreats, was opened yesterday, providing the two young tigers with an enriched environment. Visitors can occasionally catch glimpses of these rare big cats through the dense greenery as they cautiously explore their new surroundings.
This new facility, located on the former stilt bird meadows, replaces the previous tiger enclosure in the Realm of the Hunters. Constructed over the past two years, it meets the specific needs of agile big cats while offering impressive insights into their lives. The two outdoor enclosures feature diverse structures, including water basins, a flowing stream, a small waterfall, heated resting areas, and scratching and climbing trees. The entire area is covered by a 2,500 square meter net made from over 60 kilometers of stainless steel wire.
Advanced Construction and Safety Features
The construction is supported by seven double arches, with the longest steel arch measuring 25 meters, having a diameter of 25 cm, and weighing eight tons. Extensive underground work was also undertaken to ensure stability in Berlin’s soft soil. The steel arches are anchored on concrete micro-piles that extend up to 14 meters deep, depending on their position. The glass panes at the visitor viewing points are four centimeters thick, capable of withstanding a 300-kilogram tiger. A hollow tree trunk provides children with an adventurous view into this new jungle habitat.
The total cost of the construction project amounted to approximately 7.6 million Euros. Zoo Berlin contributed 3.7 million Euros, while the State of Berlin provided 3.9 million Euros through funds from the joint task “Improvement of the Regional Economic Structure” (GRW). Dr. Severin Fischer, State Secretary for Economics, Energy and Public Enterprises, attended the opening of the new net enclosure.
“Zoo Berlin is one of the city’s most traditional attractions, captivating visitors from around the world as well as Berliners,” said Dr. Fischer. “With the new net enclosure at the Carnivore House, the Zoo gains a new highlight and expands the living space for its tigers. With the support of the State of Berlin, the Zoo continuously invests in species-appropriate keeping and modern facilities. I am pleased that the Senate Department for Economics has supported the renovation and modernization of Zoo Berlin since 2016 with GRW funding totaling approximately 20.4 million Euros – from the new construction of the Rhino Pagoda to the renovation of paths, signage, and sanitary facilities, up to today’s newly opened tiger enclosure at the Carnivore House. With further GRW funds, for example for the modernization of the Aquarium and the tourist enhancement of the Old Tower of the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, we are sustainably strengthening the tourist infrastructure of City West, securing value creation and good jobs in Berlin, and contributing to an economically strong and touristically attractive Berlin.”
Conservation Efforts for Critically Endangered Sumatran Tigers
Sumatran tigers are found exclusively on the Indonesian island of Sumatra and are among the most endangered big cats globally, with only about 400 to 600 individuals remaining in the wild. The IUCN Red List classifies the Sumatran tiger as “critically endangered.” Beyond habitat loss and poaching, population growth, prey depletion, climate change, diseases, and political instability pose significant threats to their survival.
“Especially for highly endangered species like the Sumatran tiger, it is crucial that zoological gardens worldwide network and take responsibility for the loss of biodiversity caused by humans,” explained Dr. Andreas Knieriem, Director of Zoo and Tierpark Berlin. “Species like the European bison or Przewalski’s horse are impressive examples of how visionary species protection works: these species were preserved in human care long before it was foreseeable where animals could be safely reintroduced into their natural habitat. Zoos are therefore an indispensable pillar in the protection of biological diversity.”
International conservation programs are also of central importance. With consistent implementation of all realistic conservation measures, tigers could significantly recover and return to all suitable habitats within the next 100 years. The Zoological Gardens Berlin, in collaboration with the WWF, are committed to protecting tigers in their natural habitat.
“Tigers roam many countries in Asia in their natural habitat, regardless of political lines. Their protection therefore only succeeds together, across borders, and with a clear goal: to preserve this fascinating animal species in the long term,” explained Christian Kern, the Zoological Director of Zoo and Tierpark Berlin. “One of the last glimmers of hope for this majestic big cat are the zoological gardens with their internationally coordinated conservation breeding programs. For the Sumatran tiger, there is a ‘Global Species Management Plan’ (GSMP) that brings together all regional conservation breeding programs, such as the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP), and plans globally accordingly to secure the preservation of such an endangered species even more successfully,” he added.
The young tiger male, Banyu, arrived in Berlin from Sweden just a few weeks ago on the recommendation of the European Endangered Species Programme. He is now expected to contribute to the survival of Sumatran tigers alongside the female tiger, Luise. Over the past 70 years, more than 150 Sumatran tigers have been born in Berlin, a significant contribution to global conservation breeding efforts.
