Zoologischer Garten

The Berlin Zoo is definitely one of my favourite places in Berlin. It was the first zoo in Germany, opening in 1844. With over 1,500 species and over 20,500 animals, it's one of the largest zoos in the world. It also includes a pretty big aquarium with all sorts of creatures! The zoo was almost completely destroyed during the second world war, but was entirely rebuilt to its former reputation and has remained one of the most reputable zoos in the world. Right outside the zoo is also the very famous destroyed Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, which is another important sight to see in Berlin; another reminder of WWII.

I've been there twice and both times spent well over 5 hours in there, and both times, I managed to miss quite a few animals. I mean, the zoo extends over 85 acres, so be ready to walk. A lot. Of course, I love the zoo because of their elephants. There are a bunch of elephants, 6 or 7 females and 2 males, I believe. I spent a solid half hour watching them in total awe even though they were just standing around, barely moving.

I also happened to be around during the Orangutan feeding time and that was a blast! These creatures are so amazingly smart, it's surreal. They climbed on the fence the second they saw the zoo keeper and reached their arms out the fence to get some apples and carrots, picking them out themselves, then later on, they each got jugs of fruit iced tea. When they were done, they simply handed it back like small children do.

You have to get to the zoo right at opening if you don't want to wait hours in line (and also have time to see everything). By the time I left the zoo, it was around 3pm and there was a lineup to buy tickets that was at least an hour long.

Here are a few more pictures of the zoo!