Germany’s oldest zoo is set to celebrate a very special anniversary this summer - and you’re invited along! Berlin Zoo, arguably the most popular zoo in Europe, boasting the largest number of species, marks its 175th anniversary this August.

Berlin Zoo celebrates its 175th anniversary!

In honour of this momentous milestone, Berlin Zoo is set to host a series of special events throughout the weekend. On August 1, an amazing birthday cake is set to be cut and shared. Then on August 2, the zoo will stay open an extra 175 minutes, until 9.25 pm, letting visitors and locals alike soak up the wonderful evening atmosphere among the elephants, pandas, penguins and more.

Photo: © Zoo Berlin

“Our 175th birthday represents a wonderful opportunity to celebrate with our visitors,” Dr Andreas Knieri, Zoo Director.

Throughout the weekend, Berlin Zoo visitors are sure to be entertained with the varied programme that includes exclusive peeks behind the scenes, animal-related arts and crafts for the little ones, face painting and even a children’s circus.

In the run-up to the jubilee anniversary, eight different stations have been set up at various points throughout the park, showcasing historic photographs of the Berlin’s Zoo rich history.

Photo: © Zoo Berlin

The history behind the Berlin Zoological Garden

The Berlin Zoological Garden first opened its doors to the public in 1844. As the first zoo in Berlin (and, indeed, in Germany!) the first animals were donated by Frederick William IV, King of Prussia, from the menagerie and pheasantry at the Tiergarten. The aquarium, part of the Zoological complex, opened in 1913, housing all of the zoo's aquatic life as well as reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates.

Spanning an impressive 86.5 acres (35 hectares), the zoo and aquarium house roughly 1.380 different species and are home to more than 20.000 animals. Offering the most expansive collection of species in the world in a single location, the zoo works together with a number of leading universities, educational and research institutions around the world, maintaining and promoting European breeding programmes to safeguard the future of countless endangered species.

Currently welcoming over 3,5 million visitors each year, the Berlin Zoo is best known for its regular feeding times as well as its iconic animals, such as Knut and Hertha the polar bears and Bao Bao, the giant panda.

Berlin’s Zoo Big Anniversary

As the Berlin Zoo is one of the biggest and busiest zoos in the world, we advise you to plan your visit to celebrate its grand 175th anniversary in advance. Easily accessible via public transport or car, families can also rent out park carts for a more accessible visit.

For more details on the anniversary, or to get your tickets now, please visit the official Berlin Zoo website.

Thumb photo: © Zoo Berlin