Zoo and Tierpark Berlin Recognized for Excellent Vocational Training

Henrik MüllerSeptember 2, 20263 Mins read14

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Zoo and Tierpark Berlin Awarded IHK Seal for Training Excellence

Berlin, September 2, 2026 – The Zoologischer Garten Berlin AG and Tierpark Berlin-Friedrichsfelde GmbH have been recognized as leading vocational training providers in Berlin. Both institutions have been awarded the prestigious IHK Seal for Training Excellence, which they will hold for the next three years. This accolade from the Berlin Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK) celebrates companies that demonstrate an exceptional commitment to high-quality and future-oriented vocational training.

Out of approximately 4,500 vocational training companies in Berlin, only about 70 currently hold this Seal of Excellence. This places Zoo and Tierpark Berlin among the top 1.5% of training providers in the city.

“With the IHK Seal for Training Excellence, we recognize companies that are particularly committed to the quality of their training. Good training requires more than just imparting specialist knowledge. It needs dedicated trainers, good framework conditions, and the willingness to give young people responsibility and perspectives. The fact that Zoo and Tierpark Berlin are among the distinguished companies in Berlin underscores the high quality of their training commitment,” stated Jan Pörksen, Managing Director for Education & Vocational Training at the IHK Berlin.

A Tradition of Excellence in Animal Care Training

Training in animal care has a rich tradition in Berlin. Tierpark Berlin, in particular, laid crucial groundwork for the profession of zoo animal care as early as the 1950s. “Professor Heinrich Dathe recognized early on that good animal care is not solely based on experience and passion but requires qualified training and high professional standards,” explained Michael Horn, trainer and head animal keeper at Tierpark Berlin. “We continue this philosophy today. We pass on knowledge and experience to the next generation and continuously develop the profession, always with animal welfare at its core.”

Today, the training at Zoo and Tierpark Berlin combines this long tradition with the demands of a modern zoological institution. Apprentices gain experience with various animal species and enclosures, integrating theoretical knowledge directly with practical application. The training extends beyond daily animal care to include animal behavior, enrichment, habitat design, and collaboration with veterinarians and other specialized departments.

Teamwork and Broad Experience for Future Animal Keepers

“Training here is true teamwork,” emphasized Marco König, trainer and head animal keeper at Zoo Berlin. “In each enclosure, several colleagues work together to impart knowledge and practical skills to our apprentices. The young professionals benefit not only from the experience of their direct trainers but from the knowledge of the entire team. The exchange between the Zoo and Tierpark further expands this wealth of experience.” At Zoo Berlin alone, more than 30 employees are regularly involved in the practical training of new talent across its seven sections. The collaboration with the Tierpark allows apprentices to encounter additional animal species and diverse husbandry areas. There is no other zoological institution in Europe where animal care apprentices can gain such a broad spectrum of experience.

“The fact that the Zoo and Tierpark are awarded the IHK Seal for Training Excellence is a recognition for all those who daily care for our apprentices and equip them with knowledge and practical experience,” said Adriane Simaitis, Head of Human Resources at Zoologischer Garten Berlin AG. “The quality of our training also reflects the strong connection of our employees to our institutions. Our fluctuation rate is significantly below the industry average.”

Both Zoo and Tierpark Berlin will continue their training programs in 2026. Eight new apprentices are set to begin their training on September 1, 2026. Applications for animal care training starting in September 2027 are open until October 15, 2026.

IHK Seal Background and Significance

The IHK Seal for Training Excellence honors Berlin-based companies that are particularly committed to the quality of their vocational training. The application process evaluates aspects such as training organization, the support and development of apprentices, and the quality of in-company training. This award highlights the commitment of training companies and helps guide young people in choosing their vocational training placements.

Key Figures:

IHK Seal: Since 2015, 171 Berlin companies have been awarded, with approximately 70 currently holding the seal.
Training in Berlin: Around 4,500 training companies are listed with the IHK in Berlin; only about 1.5% hold the seal.
Animal Care Tradition: Zoo since 1974, Tierpark since 1955/56.
Graduated Animal Keepers (2005-2025): 237 total (Zoo: 126 | Tierpark: 111).
Current Apprentices: 31 (Zoo: 14 | Tierpark: 17).
New Apprentices 2026: 8 apprentices starting on September 1 (5 at Zoo Berlin and 3 at Tierpark Berlin).
Professional Diversity: Approximately 70 different professional groups.
Employees: 486 total (Zoo: 274 | Tierpark: 212).
Successful Training Completions: An average of about 5 per year per institution.