By Sara Orlos Fernandes
On June 24, the new rhino house in the zoo will open to visitors. BZ was exclusively allowed to take a look at the facility beforehand.
The waterfall splashes, the last plants are placed in the beds and the stair lift is still being screwed. The new rhino house in the zoo will be fine-tuned shortly before it opens.
First look at the new rhinoceros pagoda in Berlin Zoo Photo: Ralf Gunther
The new rhino enclosure has been under construction since 2020 for a low double-digit million amount. The focal point is the red sandstone Rhinoceros Pagoda. In addition to the large outdoor area, a splashing paradise for the animals has been created indoors.
Plenty of space for splashing: In the new rhinoceros house in the zoo, you can splash into the large pool of water. Photo: Ralf Gunther
The Indian rhinos Betty, Jansi, Sanjai and Inesh still have to be patient until they move to their new home.
The animals are in quarantine because in the last few weeks they have been transported to Berlin from England, Scotland and the Netherlands. They had to remain there during the construction work.
Inside, visitors also have plenty of space to marvel at the animals. Photo: Ralf Gunther
On Monday she will finally start getting used to her new home. “We first have to see how they get along with each other,” says zoo spokeswoman Philine Hachmeister.
The rhinos, originally native to India, are joined by seven Visayan warty pigs, while tapirs move in on the other side of the enclosure.
There are already first residents on the plant: During the work, artist Uwe Thürgau (71) discovered a rhinoceros beetle in the outdoor area. He designed and built the rock structure on the site.
In the new rhinoceros world at Hardenbergplatz, the animals can romp around on a total of 14,000 square meters with a view of the Memorial Church. From June 24th, visitors to the zoo will also be able to visit the new facility.
Uwe Thürnau (71) designed the rock construction on the site. Photo: Ralf Gunther
In the future, visitors can look forward to an exhibition on the subject of species protection in the zoo’s new landmark.