Tuesday, 14 January
Foot-and-mouth disease in Berlin: Zoo and Tierpark to remain closed
The gates of Berlin’s Zoo and Tierpark will remain shut indefinitely as authorities respond to the threat of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) spreading to vulnerable animal populations. The closures follow an outbreak detected in a buffalo herd in Märkisch-Oderland, just kilometers away from the Tierpark.
“Testing of susceptible species has been ongoing since the weekend, but we cannot yet determine when we’ll reopen,” a spokesperson confirmed. Measures are in place to safeguard high-risk species such as cattle, sheep, camels, elephants, and the endangered Rothschild giraffe, of which fewer than 1,400 remain in the wild.
While the Zoo falls outside the official surveillance zone and has not yet conducted tests, the Tierpark has undergone sample testing of its animals under veterinary supervision. Berlin’s Aquarium remains open to visitors.
To minimise risks, all deliveries from affected regions have been halted, and employees residing near the outbreak area have been temporarily dismissed.
Christian Kern, the Zoological Director, reported that the situation has already disrupted significant projects. A planned transport of wisents to the Caucasus for rewilding – a joint initiative with WWF Germany – has been postponed. Since 2019, the Tierpark has contributed 46 animals to this programme aimed at restoring the species to its natural habitat.
Precautionary closures extend to children’s farms across Berlin, including the Helle Tierarche in Hellersdorf, the Görlitzer Park Kinderbauernhof, and Waslala in Treptow-Köpenick. The Neukölln petting zoo in Hasenheide will remain closed until at least Tuesday.
The FMD outbreak, confirmed late last week, marks the first case in Germany in over 35 years. The highly contagious viral disease poses no direct risk to humans but can devastate livestock populations.
