Today marks the official start of spring – the season when the cycle of life begins anew. Although the weather seems to be stuck in winter mode right now, Tierpark Berlin is getting ready to welcome in the spring and all the frenzied activity it brings.
To mark the occasion, we have brought out a brand-new puzzle book that depicts all the hustle and bustle of the Tierpark – the playful animals, the excited visitors, the busy animal keepers. Numerous familiar characters are hidden in each of the book’s 14 lively scenes. Who will be the first to find Felix the vet as he tends to a different patient on every page? Where is Emma hiding, and what exciting discoveries has Ben made? The book goes on sale in the Tierpark gift shop from 23 March, and is an ideal souvenir for animal fans of all ages.
What better way for the Tierpark to herald the spring than with lots of beautiful babies? This year, the Sichuan takins have welcomed two adorable new additions. Half-brothers Shan and Chen were born on 17 and 20 February respectively and are now busy frolicking around on their powerful little legs, exploring every corner of their habitat with their mothers Xiwang and Kyi and their father Gyatso. On the expansive Camel Pasture, young dromedary Greta is charming visitors and the rest of her herd with her gorgeous curls and long eyelashes. The rare Przewalski’s horses also boosted their numbers with the birth of young colt Tarek on 3 March – which happens to be World Wildlife Day. These wild horses offer the best evidence that the conservation efforts of zoos do bear fruit. Once extinct in the wild, Przewalski’s horses have now made a recovery – and it’s all thanks to zoos. Mother Tibeta and father Walc are justifiably proud of their son and heir. And, of course, there are plenty of new lambs and kids to coo over this Easter. The Girgentana goats, Alpine sheep, Rouge de Roussillon, and Valais blacknoses all had their babies early this year. We are also delighted to share the good news that Indian rhinoceros Betty is expecting!
The start of the spring season sees the return of popular Tierpark activities such as the Llama Walk at 2:30 p.m. on weekends and bank holidays. The walk starts from the large area of grass by Schloss Friedrichsfelde, opposite the gibbon habitat. The bird of prey free-flight show takes to the skies again at the Kiekemal Woodland Stage from 1:30 p.m. every day except Monday, and the screw horn goats will be doing the rounds in the domestic animal area, delivering tasty titbits to the other inhabitants. And from 26 March, Shona artists will again be offering workshops on how to create beautiful sculptures from Zimbabwean stone. To sign up for a workshop, call +49 (0)2302 9787428 or send an e-mail to bildhauen@shona-art.com.
Easter in the Tierpark
The Easter Bunny will be delivering a particularly large egg to the Tierpark this Easter. The gigantic egg, painted in the traditional Croatian naïve art style, was on display at Zoo Berlin last year, and this year it is coming to the Tierpark. The egg was a gift to the city of Berlin from the Croatian county of Koprivnica-Križevci and is a symbol of Easter festivities, peace and friendship. It was made in the Podravina region as part of the “Easter Egg from the Heart” project. Zoo and Tierpark Director Dr Andreas Knieriem is delighted to be able to present the work of art to Tierpark visitors this spring: “These gigantic eggs can now be seen in numerous squares and galleries across the world, including in New York, Rome, Brussels, Prague, Vienna and Paris.” The egg will be on display at Tierpark Berlin until the end of April.
The popular Tierpark Easter tour will again take place on Easter Saturday – which falls on 31 March this year. The tour finishes with a spectacular Easter bonfire. Places can be reserved at the annual pass ticket desks at both entrances – but hurry: only a few spots are left!
