For zoos, biodiversity and species conservation have long been a central theme. For the Zoo am Meer Bremerhaven, which was completely rebuilt from 2001 to 2004 and expanded in 2013 to include the North Sea Aquarium, it is also a matter of clearly positioning itself in terms of biodiversity. In view of the importance of the topic for society as a whole, the Zoo am Meer is planning the long-term development of the Biodom Bremerhaven. The Biodom is an extension on the west side of the New Harbour in the immediate vicinity of the zoo and will be connected to the existing zoo via a bridge. In the future, the Biodom will allow visitors to experience the importance of biological diversity. With a concept study for an extension of the Zoo by the Sea, those responsible in the city of Bremerhaven have set out together with the Zoo by the Sea to realise the Biodom project. The zoo is also supported by the owner of the zoo property, the Städtische Grundstücksgesellschaft Bremerhaven. In addition to the themes of climate change (Klimahaus Bremerhaven 8° Ost) and migration (Deutsches Auswandererhaus), the Havenwelten Bremerhaven are to be expanded to include the central theme of biodiversity. The architects of dan pearlman Erlebnisarchitektur around Kieran Stanley are responsible for the concept for the Biodom.
The centrepiece of the Biodom Bremerhaven is a section of a hotspot of the Amazon rainforest ecosystem. Cumbersome concepts such as genetic or functional diversity and diversity of ecosystems are conveyed through the fascination for animals. The animals are ambassadors for biodiversity and species conservation. Through them, important contents can be made comprehensible. The modern, walk-through facility, which allows for the communal keeping of different animal species, promotes above all the direct and emotional experience of the visitor:inside around the animal experience. After visiting the Biodom Bremerhaven, they will understand themselves as part of the fascinating, fragile ecosystem of the earth. Nothing comparable can currently be found in Germany or Europe.
The Biodom Bremerhaven is a perfect complement to the existing zoo and seems more important than ever due to the rapidly progressing loss of biodiversity. Nevertheless, in view of many other important issues in our society, it remains to be seen to what extent and when the vision of the Biodom in Bremerhaven can be realised.
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