Accompanying projects to introduce animals into the wild, managing breed registries, designing animal facilities – there is very little zoological experience that assertive, dynamic and pragmatic biologist Nadja Niemann lacks.
All this makes her the perfect candidate to follow in the distinguished footsteps of current zoological director Dr Falk Dathe. As the son of the Tierpark’s founder Prof. Heinrich Dathe, Falk Dathe has dedicated a large part of his life to the animal park. After 36 years in his role as zoological director and senior associate, Dathe will pass on the baton in December 2016 and begin his well-deserved retirement.
Following posts in Cologne and Dortmund as well as in Asia and Africa, all-rounder Niemann, who hails from Cologne, became zoo director and general manager at Tourismus GmbH Wingst on the North Sea coast. She has no apprehensions about the change of scene and should find it easy to settle in at the Tierpark. Her CV is full of experience in almost every relevant department: zoo education, animal care, press and PR work, and human resources. Niemann also knows a great deal about things such as budget planning, animal feed, and workplace safety.
“We found Ms Niemann with the help of recruitment agency Kienbaum. She is a valuable addition to our highly motivated team at the Tierpark,” said Berlin Zoo and Tierpark Director Dr Andreas Knieriem this Wednesday as he introduced the new director to the entire Tierpark team. “We are delighted that we have been able to gain her for Tierpark Berlin and are certain that she will brilliantly master this challenging role.”
In contrast to the 400 animals under her care in her previous job, Niemann is now responsible for around 6,500 animals and 100 employees. As a future area manager and authorised representative, Niemann reports directly to Zoo and Tierpark Director Dr Andreas Knieriem. On 1 December 2016, the new director will take up her position and move into her office at Schloss Friedrichsfelde. “I am very happy to turn my main focus back to zoology after almost four exciting years as the overall manager at Wingst Zoo,” says Niemann. “I know Tierpark Berlin well and hold it in high esteem.”
