The Zoological Gardens Berlin are looking back at an eventful year in 2025, a year shaped by both highs and lows. Births, anniversaries, and farewells vividly demonstrated the diversity and dynamism of these institutions as places of encounter, education, and commitment to preserving biological diversity.
Joyous New Arrivals and Sad Farewells
Young animals at the Zoo and Tierpark enchanted keepers, the online community, and guests alike. The joy was immense, from a litter of adorable otter quadruplets to red panda twins, aardvark Frida, and hippo offspring Willi Wackelöhrchen at the Zoo. In addition, the panda twins Leni and Lotti celebrated their first birthday in August 2025. However, just as birth is part of the cycle of life, so is death. The Zoo regretfully had to bid farewell to well-known animal personalities, with giraffe bull Max and elephant bull Victor being particularly difficult losses. In the monkey house, there was also great sadness over the passing of the two elderly orangutans Mano and Bini.
The figures from 2025 impressively underscore the diversity of the capital’s Zoological Gardens: Zoo Berlin is home to 21,930 individuals from 1,021 different animal species, plus at least 200 native wild species. Tierpark Berlin houses 6,444 individuals from 632 species and more than 250 native wild animal species that thrive in the expansive natural oasis.
Tierpark Berlin Celebrates 70th Anniversary
A nostalgic highlight was the 70th anniversary of Tierpark Berlin. In early 2025, the exhibition “70 Years of Poster Art” opened, showcasing decades of Tierpark posters as cultural-historical reflections. In parallel, a historical tour along numerous information steles allows guests to delve into the park’s development on around 40 panels.
Economic Challenges and Optimistic Outlook
Despite these positive developments, the economic conditions remained challenging. At the beginning of 2025, Zoo and Tierpark Berlin had to close preemptively for several weeks due to an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in Hönow, Brandenburg. FMD is highly contagious, and the protection of endangered animal species is a top priority. This unplanned closure and the ongoing precautionary and hygiene measures after reopening significantly impacted the Tierpark economically. Furthermore, the Zoo and Tierpark had to contend with cautious visitor numbers and rising operating and construction costs.
“The recession, with all its effects on our guests’ purchasing power, does not spare zoos and animal parks. Like all other institutions in this industry, we feel the clear reluctance to undertake leisure activities,” explains Zoo and Tierpark Director Dr. Andreas Knieriem. “The past year was therefore challenging for us, but we are still optimistic about the future. Zoos never stand still; they continuously evolve. With projects like the new tiger netting facility and the new elephant house, we are sending a clear signal for the future and showing that we act proactively even under difficult conditions.”
Outlook for 2026: New Facilities and Modernization
Tierpark Berlin: Europe’s Most Modern Elephant House
A central future project for Tierpark Berlin is the new elephant house, currently in its final construction phase. Spanning approximately 20,000 square meters, it features modern indoor and spacious outdoor areas, enabling a sustainable keeping concept. The facility will operate using a “Protected Contact” method, meaning no direct physical contact between humans and animals. This ensures a respectful and safe interaction during care, always based on the animals’ voluntary participation. A specific behavioral enrichment concept implemented for elephants ensures they receive the best possible care. This will make it Europe’s most modern elephant house and a new flagship for Tierpark Berlin.
Zoo Berlin: Tiger Enclosures and Aquarium Modernization
Important developments are also underway at Zoo Berlin this year. The new netting facilities for tigers, opposite the “Realm of the Hunters,” will be completed at the start of the season. Additionally, the modernization of the aquarium, after numerous delays, will be finished this summer. Concurrently, the historic antelope house is undergoing extensive renovation: okapis and a new giraffe species are expected to move in this spring.
In 2025, Tierpark Berlin celebrated its 70th anniversary.
