Expedia.com Pigmy Hippo Berlin Zoo

Pigmy Hippo Berlin Zoo

The pygmy hippopotamus at Berlin Zoo - picture.
If you are staying at any of the great hotels in Berlin, you are undoubtedly staying within walking distance of this zoo.  It is located on the outskirts of the Tiergarten, the large park in the center of the city.  The park itself is bigger than the country of Monaco.

The pygmy hippopotamus at Berlin Zoo - photograph.
[more pics]
 The pygmy hippopotamus at Berlin Zoo - pix.

Pygmy hippopotamus

The pygmy hippopotamus (Choeropsis liberiensis or Hexaprotodon liberiensis) is a large mammal native to the forests and swamps of western Africa (the scientific species classification means "of Liberia", as this is where the vast majority live). The pygmy hippo is reclusive and nocturnal. It is one of only two extant species in the Hippopotamidae family, the other being its much larger cousin the common hippopotamus.

The pygmy hippopotamus displays many terrestrial adaptations, but like its larger cousin, it is semi-aquatic and relies on proximity to water to keep its skin moisturized and its body temperature cool. Behaviors such as mating and giving birth may occur in water or on land. The pygmy hippo is herbivorous, feeding on whatever ferns, broad-leaved plants, grasses and fruits it finds in the forests.

What to expect at the Berlin zoo.

Thousands of great animals included in a well laid out zoo/aquarium setup.  I was surprised by the size of the place.   Not just a cage with one or two elephants but, apparently, a whole african savanah with a herd of elephants.  Not just elephants, but giraffes, lions, gorillas, kangaroos, polar bears, tigers, emus and, even, a glimpse of (not one, but two) okapi.

from wikipedia

"The Berlin Zoological Garden (German: Zoologischer Garten Berlin) is the oldest and internationally most well known zoo in Germany. Opened in 1844 it comprises an area of 35 hectares and is located in Berlin, Tiergarten. With almost 1,400 different species and around 14,000 animals the zoo presents the most comprehensive collection of species in the world.

The zoo and its aquarium numbered 3.2 million visitors in 2007. It is considered to be the most visited zoo in Europe and one of the most popular worldwide. Regular animal feedings are among its most famous attractions. Several globally known animals like Knut, the polar bear or Bao Bao, the Giant Panda are contributing to the zoo's public image.

The zoo is closely collaborating on scientific fields with a large number of universities, research institutes, and other zoos around the world. It maintains and promotes numerous European breeding programmes and safeguards several endangered species. A number of species kept at the 'Berlin Zoo' are regularly returned to the wild after years in intensive human care."

Pigmy Hippo Berlin Zoo

The pygmy hippos at Berlin Zoo - image.

A couple of nice places to eat, inside or out.  Lots of signs pointing the way and a comprehensive map in our guide book.

Pigmy Hippo Berlin Zoo navigation:

Home Indian Rhinoceros Berlin Zoo Baird's Tapir Berlin Zoo Pigmy Hippo Berlin Zoo Asian Elephants Berlin Zoo Giraffes Berlin Zoo Polar Bears Berlin Zoo Gorillas Berlin Zoo Tigers Berlin Zoo Lions Berlin Zoo Okapi Berlin Zoo Kangaroos & Capybara Berlin Zoo Emus Berlin Zoo Berlin Zoo Map FREE Greater Rheas Berlin Zoo Red River Hog Berlin Zoo White Lipped Peccary Berlin Zoo African Buffalo Berlin Zoo Bearded Pigs Berlin Zoo Sloth Bear Berlin Zoo Sarus Crane Berlin Zoo Camels Berlin Zoo Eurasian Eagle Owl Berlin Zoo White Wolf Berlin Zoo Babirusa Berlin Zoo Barasingha Berlin Zoo Bison Wisent Berlin Zoo Giant Panda Berlin Zoo Giant Anteater Berlin Zoo Chimpanzees Berlin Zoo Lion Tailed Macaque Berlin Zoo Nutria Berlin Zoo Black Spider Monkey Berlin Zoo Sumatran Orangutan Berlin Zoo Hamadryas Baboon Berlin Zoo Rusty Spotted Cat Berlin Zoo Slender Tailed Meerkats Berlin Zoo Silvered Leaf Monkey Berlin Zoo Common Marmoset Berlin Zoo Brown Headed Spider Monkey Berlin Zoo Toque Macaque Berlin Zoo Berlin Zoo

Expedia.com

 

©  2000 Pigmy Hippo Berlin Zoo