Hellabrunn Zoo: Grand Opening of New Tropical House After Years of Renovation
Munich, June 26, 2026 – The Hellabrunn Zoo in Munich celebrated the grand opening of its new tropical house on June 25, transforming the former lion enclosure into a vibrant jungle world. This extensive renovation, costing approximately 11 million euros, introduces endangered Asian bird species, small mammals, and fishing cats to visitors, alongside lush exotic plants in a humid, warm rainforest atmosphere.
The new ‘Dschungelwelt’ (Jungle World) replaces the former habitat of lions Max and Benny, who were relocated to a new lion facility in 2022. The comprehensive revitalization project took several years to complete, exceeding initial timelines by about two years, and involved a complete overhaul of the building’s infrastructure.
Significant Investment in Modern Infrastructure
According to Zoo Director Rasem Baban, the 11 million euros invested were primarily allocated to the unseen, yet crucial, technical infrastructure. Christine Gerner, head of the zoo’s technical department, explained, “The money is in the basement.” This includes entirely new electrical systems, ventilation, heating, and water pipes. Additionally, new water basins for the animals and a misting system that disperses microscopic water droplets throughout the jungle environment have been installed to maintain optimal tropical conditions. On the opening day, temperatures inside the tropical house reached 27.9 degrees Celsius with 74 percent humidity in the morning, climbing to 40 degrees Celsius an hour later, mimicking a true tropical climate.
The tent-like roof structure, originally built in 1995, also underwent significant renovation. Engineer Lutz Schöne, managing director of FTR from Rosenheim, stated that the roof, which had suffered hail damage, was fitted with new ETFE foil cushions – a plastic similar to that used for the Allianz Arena’s roof. This ensures durability and optimal light transmission for the exotic plant life.
A Sanctuary for Endangered Asian Species
The heart of the new jungle world is its diverse Asian bird population. Zoo Director Rasem Baban announced that after a settling-in period, approximately 22 Asian bird species, some of which are critically endangered or even extinct in the wild, will be on display. Among the new residents are colorful Lorikeets, Sumatran Laughingthrushes, and Mitchell’s Lorikeets.
Beyond the avian inhabitants, the tropical house also features other fascinating creatures, including otters, fishing cats – known for their webbed feet – and binturongs. While some animals are still in their acclimatization phase, the binturongs, a civet species, have already made themselves at home. These relaxed creatures, resembling a mix of cat, marten, and bear, are particularly noteworthy for the popcorn-like scent of their urine, which they use to mark their territory. “When you come in here in the morning, you think you’re in a cinema,” joked Baban.
Fruit bats, which were previous residents, have also returned to the tropical house, hanging upside down from palms and fig trees, seemingly undisturbed by their new surroundings. Another anticipated attraction is the arrival of waving frogs, for whom a detailed habitat with a small waterfall and lush orchids is being prepared.
Challenges and Future Prospects
A significant challenge during the construction was protecting the large palm and fig trees that remained in place throughout the renovation. “We built while inhabited,” Baban noted, highlighting the complexity of the project. Despite the delays, the effort ensured the survival of these mature plants, which now form the vibrant backdrop of the jungle world, alongside newly planted hibiscus, lantana, edible bananas, mirabelle trees, fishtail palms, and bromeliads.
Verena Dietl, Mayor of Munich, along with Zoo Director Rasem Baban and SSK board member Jan Mersmann, attended the opening, underscoring the importance of this new attraction for the city. The Hellabrunn Zoo continues its commitment to species conservation and providing an engaging educational experience for visitors.
Source: https://www.abendzeitung-muenchen.de/muenchen/hellabrunn-grosse-neueroeffnung-im-muenchner-tierpark-nach-jahrelangem-umbau-art-1140085
