The construction of the Tierpark in the former East Berlin is to a great extent due to the separation of Berlin into East and West after World War II. The lack of a zoo in Eastern Berlin provoked the establishment of a counterpart to the Berlin Zoo, founded in West Berlin. That’s why in August 1954, the Tierpark was established, but not until the end of the frosty winter could it be completed and inaugurated. The overall area of the park was at that time only 60 hectares, and there were no more than 500 animals, but with constant renovations and the purchasing of new animals, it became what it is today. The basis of the Tierpark’s layout followed Peter Joseph Lenné’s Landschaftspark (Landscape Park), next to the Palace Friedrichsfelde, but it underwent many transformations that are still ongoing. As a result, Tierpark Berlin is a park-like zoo suitable both for leisure and for learning.

The many animal housing structures on the Tierpark’s premises give it its unique character. Ever since 1958, the park has had its bear facility, which provides all the comforts a bear could ask for: trees and rocky slopes for climbing, and water pools for swimming. There’s also the Alfred Brehm House, named after the renowned zoologist, which is home to various predators, including tigers and other big cats. In the vicinity, there is the huge aviary for predatory birds, and there’s a café, as well. Another interesting building is the Dickhaeuterhaus (Thick-skinned animal house) where the Asia and African elephants neighbour the rhinos. This house also holds a 200,000-litre aquarium for sirenias.

Specially designed for children’s education is the Tierkinderzoo (Children’s Zoo). The Giraffe, Monkey and Crocodile houses also raise the interest particularly of younger visitors to Tierpark Berlin. The mountain animal species have also found their own space at the Tierpark since 2002, when a special building was designated for them. Also not to be missed are the snakes at the Snake Farm or the fish that swim undisturbed in the large aquarium inside the café. When going to Tierpark Berlin, there’s one more must-see, and that’s the Freidhichsfelde Palace, which is nowadays partly a museum, and partly used for concerts and other events. The Palace itself dates back to the 17th Century, but because of numerous reshaping works and long periods of misuse, despite renovations there is little of the original furniture and structure remaining. Nevertheless, the Palace is still the heart of the Tierpark.

Being a landscape park, the animal facilities of the Tierpark can’t exist without the plants, which is part of every living creature’s habitat. That’s why many plant species can be found on the park’s premises, even rare ones. Of particular interest for garden lovers is the thickly planted Karl Foerster garden, that carries the name of the garden architect who died in 1970. Various shrubs and trees freshen the Tierpark’s image, but a more cultural aspect is provided by the sculptures installed within the park, such as the Lions, Bison or even the Crocodile Fountain. Further development of the Tierpark is set to bring more pleasant surprises to its visitors.