Dear All, I know that I am not "a Berliner", not even a German and that maybe, you will not like it if a foreigner is writing his opinion with regard to Zoo and Tierpark Berlin. But nevertheless, I take the risks.
Dear Frans, the combi-ticket Zoo-Tierpark-Aquarium is already existing since a few years and is costing about 118 EUR per year. Which is according to me maybe not cheap, but certainly not exaggerated.
I admit that I do not possess of exact figures with regard to the total number of visitors and subsidies per annum for both Zoo and Tierpark Berlin. But herewith a few figures for you all to make the comparison with Zoo and Tierpark. Zoo Antwerpen (total surface: approx. 11 ha) and Planckendael (approx. 42 ha) have about 1,6 million visitors per year and receive together a subsidy in the amount of approximately 9,7 million EUR per year. Well, realizing how small both are and how limited the number of animals and employees and then knowing this rather huge amount of subsidies (that is really necessary ot maintain both in their splendor), I am afraid that both Zoo and Tierpark do not receive such a "super" amount.
And very sorry to say, but since years, I am reading that Berlin "ist pleite" (aber sexy - OH yes, I agree with the last part). Well, then I think that both should better use the subsidies to maintain, repair, restore and improve the existing parts of both and make it more attractive for the animals (and in the end, also for the visitors). Having pandas again is of course a beautiful dream and if it can come true, I will be the first to enjoy it, but it will have to be realized at an extremely high cost. When Pairi Daiza started their investments for the pandas, they were not sure at all whether China would decide in their favor and therefore, they had a Plan B in case of refusal! Even this Plan B would have been an enrichment and improvement for Pairi Daiza (namely, keeping black bears), but it would result in a financial disaster for Berlin.
And frankly said, I am more and more reluctant to believe in the true love of China for their pandas. When reading about that, I always have the feeling that, most of all, they have the dollar sign in mind when it comes to dealing about pandas. A zoo can have them, but only according to their conditions and requirements (read: Pairi Daiza was also obliged to plant tea and bamboo and so forth, the layout had to be according to their wishes), and then only for a certain time span and upon payment of a serious annual contribution! The pandas will always return to China, even their offspring. In other words, China is only havig the benefits, but never the cost nor the sorrows. HALLLOOOHOOOO!
Ah well, if Berlin really wants to have pandas again, I wish them all the best and I hope that they can come to Tierpark and that Tierpark is then making a lot of money. The thing I am praying for is: do not let it become a nightmare!