“The Berlin Tierpark” photo taken by author
After World War II came to an end the German Democratic Republic (GDR) became increasingly fed up with the citizens of East Germany crossing over into West Germany to visit the Berlin Zoo. As a result, in 1955 the GDR opened the Berlin Tierpark. With a lack of workers and materials, the Berlin Tierpark was built by the citizens of East-Berlin. Many would come help after they were off work or in any of their spare time.
Since the Berlin Tierpark was almost five times larger than the Berlin Zoo, the two became instant rivals. Not to mention along with their notable political differences, the directors of both of the zoos were not fond of each other. Heinrich Dathe, the Berlin Tierpark director, was known for being one of the most famous men in Eastern Germany people also knew him as “Grzimek of the GDR.” The Berlin Zoo director, Heinz-Georg Klös, was very good at getting every penny he could from any managers or politicians. This turned out to help the Berlin Zoo tremendously and because of his money saving efforts the Berlin Zoo had the biggest variety of species in the world. (Mohnhaupt)
“A Walk through the Tierpark” photo taken by author
A guide to 1987 animal collections of the German Democratic Republic (GDR) reveals that a number of zoos developed in the former GDR. It indicates that there were 9 large zoos and 120 small animal collections. The 395 acre Tierpark Berlin-Friedrichsfelde was the most important of the GDR’s collection. Because of its size, the Tierpark became a large area for the breeding of rare animals. With connections to Eastern Europe and former connection to the academy of science of the GDR, the Tierpark contained quite rare species and was always supported in doing research.
“Alfred Brehm House for Carnivores” photo taken by the author
Under the guidance of the Tierparks first director Heinrich Dathe, the Tierpark became one of the leading zoos in the entire world. Heinrich Dathe was a well known scientist, he edited over 5 scientific journals and wrote over 1,000 scientific and popular papers and books. In 1963 he was responsible for opening the Alfred Brehm house for Carnivores and tropical birds. At the time it was the largest animal house in the world and it was the only animal house in the world with indoor barless enclosures for lions and tigers.
“Barless Enclosures” photo taken by the author
In 1990, after the reunification of Germany and the death of Heinrich Dathe, Bernhard Blaszkiewitz was appointed the new director of the Tierpark. He continued to follow in the footsteps of Dathe, maintaining the zoos high status while also growing the Tierpark in new ways. Before the reunification there were always concerns about East Germany’s financial situation causing the zoo to close down, but after the reunification the cooperation between the zoos in Berlin helped alleviate that concern from many people. This was also the first time that the Berlin zoos had a close connection between their breeding and education programs. (Strehlow)