One City, Two Zoos

This weekend, we went to two zoos. That’s the benefit of living in a city that, up until 30 years ago, existed in two different and physically separate countries, thanks to a wall and a lot of pretty heavily armed check points and watch towers. There are two of a lot of things in Berlin. Two zoos. Two symphonies. Two major shopping districts.

We have been to both zoos several times, just not since we moved here two months ago. Since we love zoos, like most families, I bought a combined annual pass for both zoos and the aquarium.

Zoo Berlin – Former West

On Friday, I picked the boys up right after school and we went 19 stops on the U2 to Zoo Berlin, in the former west.

Its a wonderful zoo. Great animals.

{black rhino}

{two newly acquired Pandas – the only ones in Germany – in their new habitat}

{baby Buffalo that was two hours old}

And they have an amazing playground. Seriously, I would pay for a membership to this playground if that was the only attraction.

It was an epic time.

{new friends came home with us}

We met Dave at a nearby Biergarten next to a canal for dinner that was swarmed with tourists in town to run the Berlin marathon. Including a lot of Americans.

Tierpark – Former East

On Sunday, I took the boys to Tierpark, the former east zoo, which is the largest animal park in Europe. It’s on the grounds of a Schloss (Palace) that you can tour on the weekends.

{Schloss Friedrichsfelde}

{planning our route}

{Eisbär!}

{cute bunnies}

{watching the red panda- Katzenbär- cat bear}

We love how big the animal exhibits are at Tierpark. They truly have a lot of space.

{Giraffes}

{Zebra}

{Elephants}

Wait. Yes. Those are dogs at the zoo. At Tierpark, dogs are allowed. And scooters, too! (We had to check Isaac’s scooter at Zoo Berlin.)

It’s much more laid back in the East!

Even though the main playground isn’t as big at Tierpark as the playground at Zoo Berlin, it does have a pretty awesome water feature. And several other playgrounds scattered throughout the zoo.

{Epic climbing near the ring tailed lemurs}

Which do we prefer? For us, it’s a toss up. Both zoos are a little over 30 minutes by public transport from our apartment.

Both zoos offer a pretty nice offering of decent beer and dining options.

{Isaac cutting his Schnitzel}

Zoo Berlin does have an aquarium, too. (Which we have yet to visit since we’ve moved to Berlin. We also haven’t gone to a family favorite there, either, the hippos.)

For me, Tierpark offers a more relaxing atmosphere. While Zoo Berlin is located in a more exciting neighborhood.

I can’t pick a favorite. And am glad we don’t have to.

Thanks, Berlin!