A jaguar sits in its enclosure at Zoo Berlin. The jaguar is one of the strongest, but also one of the rarest animals in the world. It is the third heaviest big cat with the strongest teeth Photo: picture alliance/dpa
By Birgit Buerkner
A sensation for the zoo that is unique in Europe: the jaguars will sneak over the heads of the visitors on a bridge into a new island paradise.
In September, construction preparations begin for the redesign of a pond landscape opposite the predator house, which opened in 2022. Most recently, the ponds and their shore areas served as a retreat for ducks.
This island paradise near the aquarium that was once home to ducks is being remodeled for the jaguars Photo: Christian Lohse
Now the zoo is converting the area into a habitat for the big cats. A steel arch bridge, 19 meters long and 8 meters high, will connect the predator house with the island kingdom. “The water-loving animals will also be able to use the water area of the pond,” says a zoo spokeswoman.
The planning for the bridge came from the internationally renowned engineering office Schlaich Bergermann und Partner, which also designed the Hippopotamus House (other works: roof construction of the Olympic Stadium, Leipzig Trade Fair Tower, Real Madrid Stadium, Shanghai Grand Opera House).
The bridge that connects the predator house and the outdoor enclosure will lead over this visitor path Photo: Christian Lohse
Construction work is expected to start in January 2024, the enclosure and bridge will be finished by the end of 2024, and two jaguars will be able to move in at the beginning of 2025.
The outdoor areas for the animals will be twice as large after completion.
Costs: 5 million euros from federal funds.