I knut believe it! (Zoologischer Garten Berlin)

Member Name: nineinchneals

Product:	Zoologischer Garten Berlin
Date:	22/04/08 (24 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: An unrivaled selection of species, Located right in the heart of Berlin.

Disadvantages: A rainy day may diminish the enjoyment somewhat. Pick a sunny day to visit!

Located in the heart of Berlin, the famous Zoologischer Garten is one of Europe's biggest zoos, and boasts the largest variety of animals in the entire continent.

An interesting fact states that the first bomb dropped on Berlin in the World War 2 did not kill a single human, only an elephant. The zoo we see today has evolved much like the city surrounding it. Berlin Zoo is a surprisingly large expanse for its location. This is no out-of-town park, Berlin Zoo lays right in the thick of things; only a few meters from the famous Gedächtniskirche and the hustle and bustle of Berlin.

So what is the big appeal of Berlin Zoo? Recently, a big crowd puller was the arrival of 'Knut' the polar bear. Of course Knut is no longer a cuddly little bear-cub but a twenty-something stone gargantuan, but that is no reason not to pay him a visit! If you go to see Knut, I recommend you visit on one of his feeding times, as he is quite a crowd-pleaser!

Of course there is more to Berlin Zoo than just Knut. Much more. I was particulary astounded at the Hippopotamus house, home of some of the biggest creatures I've ever seen in my life! Much like an aquarium, the Hippo house allows both an underwater and overwater view of the Hippos, and if you stand there when one of the beasts roars you can consider yourself very lucky. It's quite a formidable show of power!

The monkey house boasts a wide range of species, and the chimps always deserve your time. They didn't let me down when I was last there, and you could quite literally spend hours watching them. Berlin Zoo also boasts a large selection of big cats, including a black panther which was brooding in its (somewhat small) indoor enclosure.

Berlin Zoo is definitely worth a visit if you are in the city or nearby.
As it is quite a large zoo I recommend you purchase a guidebook from the stall at the beginning so you can plan your day and visit as many creatures as possible.

---

Berlin Zoo is located right near to the S+U Bahn station 'Zoologischer Garten'. There are three entrances to the zoo. Entrance to the zoo is 12,00Euro, but you can buy a zoo/aquarium combined ticket for 18,00Euro which comes recommended if you have the time.

Summary: A top quality zoo bearing a massive variety of creatures!