Germany: Tierpark Berlin Reopens Alfred-Brehm-Haus After Two Years of Construction

After about two years of reconstruction, the “Alfred-Brehm-Haus“ at Tierpark Berlin is reopening to visitors of the zoological garden as of tomorrow. “The new Alfred Brehm House transports our guests to the rainforests of the tropical islands of Southeast Asia,“ explains Zoo Director Dr. Andreas Knieriem.

With a total budget of 9.5 million Euros, the enclosures of the house were designed in a natural and species-appropriate way. Sumatran tigers and Milanese bears were given an enclosure around twice the size. Visitors are able to have a close look at the king of the rainforest through the large panoramic windows. In addition, new terrariums for reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates were built. The walk-in tropical hall of Alfred-Brehm-Haus has been given new planting and now offers a home for flying foxes, crocodiles and exotic birds. The 2,000 square metre outdoor area, which is covered with a net, is also home to exotic animals such as Java leopards, clouded leopards and, more recently, Goodfellow tree kangaroos.

At six “research stations“, children and adults alike are to slip into the role of a scientist and playfully recognise the influence everyday life has on the rainforest. Senator for Economic Affairs Ramona Pop praises the new learning stations: “Sensitising people to the issue of species extinction and the role that humans play in it is an important task for modern zoological gardens today. We are therefore very pleased that our financial support from GRW funds for the permanent exhibition is also making a valuable contribution to environmental education.“ (eap)