Germany: Reconstruction of Predator House Starts at Zoo Berlin

Zoo Berlin has started the reconstruction of its existing predator house in order to fulfill the requirements of modern animal zoo keeping and to create a modern edutainment offer for visitors. Today, the enclosures of the wildcats are still shaped by grids and tiles, but plans foresee a modern and close to nature area fenced by panorama glass panes, artificial rocks and theming elements. Rasbach Architekten will deliver the design for the new predator enclosures.

Furthermore, some of the former enclosures will be merged and some facilities will be extended into the visitor area, creating more room for the felines. Whilst the existing structure of the 5,000 square meter large predator house will remain, the entrances will be relocated for a clear visitor path. Thanks to the installation of an acoustic barrier and dust protection, the animals can stay during construction works are underway. According to current plans, the investment costs are scheduled at some eight million Euros. The zoo states that it will finance the major part of this sum with donations and inheritances.

Most recently, Zoo Berlin expanded its visitor offer with the opening of its new “Panda Garden” facility, which since June last year has been home to the Chinese giant panda couple “Jiao Qing” and “Meng Meng” (cf. EAP, 5/17). For its panda enclosure, which was designed by dan pearlman, Zoo Berlin was awarded in three categories (out of twelve) with the Giant Panda Global Awards 2017. (eap)