Berlin Zoo

Zoo Berlin on Hardenbergplatz: Germany’s oldest zoo

Zoo Berlin is located at Hardenbergplatz 8 in Charlottenburg, right next to Zoologischer Garten train station, and borders the Tiergarten on its south side. From the Lion Gate on Hardenbergplatz, the path leads directly into the complex, with the station just a few steps away. The most famous entrance, however, is the Elephant Gate on Budapester Straße, built in 1899, where two kneeling sandstone elephants support heavy pillars. Zoo Berlin opened on August 1, 1844, as Germany’s first zoo, founded as a stock corporation and thus also the city’s oldest stock corporation. World War II almost completely destroyed the site: out of over 4,000 animals, only 91 survived. After 1945, it was rebuilt step by step, which is why historical animal houses and modern facilities stand closely together today. What emerged is a park landscape of old trees, ponds, and winding paths that differs significantly in character from the rest of City West.

Around 20,000 Animals, Panda Garden, and the New Berlin Aquarium

Behind the gates live around 20,000 animals from nearly 1,200 species, making Zoo Berlin the most species-rich zoo in the world. The most famous residents are the Giant Pandas in the Panda Garden, where twins Leni and Lotti celebrated their second birthday in August 2026. The oldest member of the staff is gorilla lady Fatou, aged 66, and a new, natural enclosure with tree nests is being planned for the gorillas. Right next door, the Berlin Aquarium, opened in 1913 and heritage-listed, is part of the complex: After three years of modernization and an investment of around 10.3 million euros, it reopened in August 2026, featuring a new elevator, a barrier-free entrance area, nine interactive media tables, and a refurbished circular tank holding over 110,000 liters. The building measures approximately 8,000 square meters across five floors, about a quarter of which is accessible to guests. An adult day ticket costs from 16.00 Euro online, children pay from 7.50 Euro, and a combi-ticket is available for both attractions. Those who visit more frequently can opt for a new generation of annual pass for the Zoo and Aquarium since September 2026, which can be activated by facial recognition if desired.