Germany / Hamburg: Hagenbeck Zoo Unveils First Parts of New Arctic Enclosure

The new Arctic theme area and enclosure at Hamburg, Germany’s Hagenbeck Zoo named “Eismeer” (Arctic Sea) has been under construction during the last 2 ½ years now (cf. EAP news from June 7, 2010). The planned opening in the spring of 2011 was postponed for one year. Now it’s almost done, but shortly before completion technical problems occurred and caused a further delay: a large panoramic pane within the polar bear enclosure is leaking and has to be substituted. According to a recent announcement of zoo, the management decided to remove the hoarding in order to allow visitors to enter the outside area of the new attraction. There people can already have a look at the walrus, seals and Peruvian penguins. The polar bears still have to stay behind the setting. Don’t miss our report about the new Arctic Sea theme area in our magazine issue EAP 5/2012 published at the beginning of September. (eap)