A journey to the land before time

Life-size dinosaurs move into Tierpark Berlin

    Until the end of the Cretaceous period, dinosaurs were found all over the planet. But about 66 million years ago, the largest terrestrial animals ever to have roamed the Earth disappeared for good… or so we thought! Now, the Tierpark is bringing the prehistoric giants back to Berlin with an exhibition of life-size dinosaurs in the coming year. Preparations for the special dino exhibition are already in full swing, as the first replicas of Mesozoic reptiles have arrived in Berlin. The exhibition is set to open in spring 2023.

    Large trucks recently pulled into the delivery area at Tierpark Berlin loaded with valuable and unusual cargo: parts of deceptively realistic dinosaur models, produced using very special technology. The replicas, which weigh several tonnes, not only visually resemble their living “ancestors” down to the smallest detail, they are also able to replicate their movements and sounds. The primeval beasts will spend the winter behind the scenes before being set up in the direct vicinity of the giraffes, polar bears and tigers for Tierpark visitors to enjoy from spring 2023.

    “Dinosaurs are the best-known symbol of animal extinction, and our fascination with the T. rex and other dinosaur species continues to this day,” says Zoo and Tierpark Director Dr Andreas Knieriem. “And the topic of species extinction is more relevant now than ever, with more than 37,000 species around the globe currently in imminent danger of dying out,” he adds. “Even today’s giants like the African elephant and the black rhino could be lost forever if we don’t intervene.”

    The prehistoric giants will go on display in the heart of the 160-hectare grounds of Tierpark Berlin next to the real-life inhabitants, creating a unique visitor experience. Alongside the animatronic models, a special exhibition will teach visitors more about how dinosaurs lived and draw surprising parallels to the animals of today. “We want to take our guests on an exciting journey through time to the age of the dinosaurs and get them even more excited about the fascinating world of animals,” says Maximilian Jäger, Head of Guest Service at Tierpark Berlin. “We don’t want to reveal too much just yet, but visitors of all ages will be able to look forward to encounters with prehistoric celebrities like the triceratops, brachiosaurus and Tyrannosaurus rex.”

    The dinosaur exhibition is expected to be on display at Tierpark Berlin until October 2023 and will be included in the regular admission price.

    Background – Dinosaur exhibition

    The Tierpark’s dinosaur exhibition was created in collaboration with American palaeontologist “Dino” Don Lessem. The internationally renowned writer and dinosaur expert was hired as a scientific advisor for Steven Spielberg’s blockbuster Jurassic Park. Some of the dinosaurs that have now arrived at the Tierpark were previously on display at Zoo Leipzig. Between now and next spring, more dinosaurs will be making the journey to Berlin from the United States. Tierpark Berlin is only the second location in Germany after Leipzig to show Dino Don’s dinosaurs!

    Opening hours

    Today, 28. March
    9:00 - 18:30
    Last admission: 17:00
    All opening hours

    Feedings & Trainings

    • Our animals are full up. No more feeding sessions today.
    All feedings