A Rhino for Eternity: The Berlin Zoo has gained a special attraction. A new rhino has moved into the Rhino Pagoda designed by dan pearlman. Not a real one, but a beautiful bronze statue. “With the welcome of our last, truly marvelous armored rhino, the Rhino Pagoda is now complete,” Zoo and Animal Park Director Dr. Andreas Knieriem enthused on the occasion of the ceremonial unveiling. Since March 2024, the rhino monument in front of the Rhino Pagoda has been impressing zoo visitors with the extraordinary size of these gentle giants. These heavyweights can weigh more than two tons. In meticulous handwork, artist Rico Rensmeyer, together with Anke Schirlitz from the Altglienicke Art Foundry, created the dynamic sculpture. Inviting, friendly, majestic yet very approachable – this is how the male counterpart of the armoured rhino lady Betty greets the guests of the zoo in front of the Rhino Pagoda. Around 3,000 working hours were needed from the initial studies on the real rhino at the Berlin Zoo – Betty served the artist several times as a stately muse – through various models made of clay and styrofoam to the final bronze casting at 1150 degrees in the Altglienicke Art Foundry. The sculpture, as a durable exhibit, is part of the educational exhibition also designed by dan pearlman Experience Architecture. While rhinoceroses in their natural habitat can live up to 40 years, this bronze rhino – installed in the 180th anniversary year of the Berlin Zoo – will surely witness another 180 years of zoo history and delight many large and small visitors of the Berlin Zoo.
