What are the "gentle giants" at Tierpark Berlin looking forward to? The stunning new elephant house, designed by dan pearlman Erlebnisarchitektur, will become home to African elephants amidst an expansive savanna landscape. This state-of-the-art facility, which celebrated its topping-out ceremony in November 2024, is set to open in 2026.
By renovating and transforming the former “pachyderm house,” Tierpark Berlin is creating Europe’s largest and most modern elephant house for African elephants. The entire project, including the naturalistic outdoor enclosures, spans an impressive 16,300 square meters—equivalent to two football fields. Of this, 3,500 square meters are dedicated to covered indoor spaces that provide the elephants with shelter and privacy.
Innovative Design for Animal Welfare and Sustainability
The new concept prioritizes both the well-being of the elephants and the safety of the staff, incorporating the latest technological and safety standards. “Our goal is to provide the animals at Tierpark Berlin with a near-natural home while creating an unparalleled visitor experience,” explains Dr. Andreas Knieriem, Director of Zoo and Tierpark Berlin. The innovative design places animal welfare at the forefront while delivering a unique architectural concept that closely mirrors the natural habitats of African elephants.
A Natural Home and Advanced Management
With a ground area of 7,000 square meters, the elephant house will be the largest building in the park and represents one of the most significant infrastructure investments in Tierpark Berlin’s history. This project also highlights Berlin’s strong commitment to animal welfare and conservation. The implementation of the “Protected Contact” (PC) approach enhances safety by ensuring secure interaction between staff and elephants through physical barriers. All interactions are based on the animals’ voluntary participation, emphasizing respect for their autonomy.
An Experience for Visitors and a Commitment to Conservation
The elephant house is designed to accommodate up to 15 African elephants, supporting various social groupings: Family groups led by a matriarch, Bachelor groups, Or individual bulls. This flexibility reflects the diverse social structures found in elephants’ natural environments.
“The new spatial and structural conditions allow us to implement a modern animal enrichment and training program,” says Christian Kern, Zoological Director.
The spacious, modular indoor and outdoor areas can be adjusted to the evolving needs of the elephants. Rotating the elephants across different sections mimics their behavior in the wild, encouraging natural activities such as foraging for food or solving challenges to “earn” their meals.
A Unique Visitor Experience
The new facility elevates the visitor experience to new heights. Guests will be able to observe not only elephants but also zebras, giraffes, and antelopes in a vast savanna setting. Similar to other innovative projects like the Panda Garden and the Rhino Pagoda at Zoo Berlin, the elephant house at Tierpark Berlin is being realized in collaboration with the dan pearlman Erlebnisarchitektur team. The entire project is scheduled for completion in 2026.
Nature-Inspired Zoo Architecture
Nature-inspired Zoo architecture focuses on creating enclosures and visitor spaces that closely mimic the animals’ natural habitats. The aim is to enhance both the well-being of the animals and the visitor experience while integrating ecological, aesthetic, and educational principles.
Key Benefits:
This design philosophy benefits not only the animals and the visitors but also strengthens the organization’s role in wildlife conservation and environmental education, ensuring a more sustainable future for zoos and the species they protect.
© 2024 Zoo Berlin / © 2024 Tierpark Berlin
