Petting Zoo at Dählhölzli Bern to Close

The closure of the petting zoo at the Berne animal park Dählhölzli has sparked a controversial debate.

In an extensive document outlining the future planning of the animal park, page 88 states: «With the construction of the new utility building, the children's zoo will simultaneously be closed.»

While animal park director Friederike von Houwald justifies the decision on grounds of limited space and a desire for more modern animal husbandry, opposition has emerged particularly among politicians. Alexander Feuz of the SVP has even launched a petition in the hope that the petting zoo will be preserved.

Feuz argues that the petting zoo is a popular attraction for families and contributes to children's education in how to interact with animals. He believes this cannot be conveyed through information boards alone. Pia Bomandeke from the Familienzentrum Bern also regrets the closure of the petting zoo, emphasising that the very youngest children in particular benefit from this uncomplicated contact with animals.

The keeping of animals in the children's zoo is no longer in keeping with the times. The location where the children's zoo currently stands is anything but optimal. There are no pastures for the animals, and in summer it is very hot by the Aare — the animals suffer enormously.

Animal park director Friederike von Houwald

The animal park is planning a reorientation focused on barrier-free access and greater educational value. A new Aare Species Conservation Center is set to replace the petting zoo and bring visitors closer to the local fauna and flora. Nevertheless, some are disappointed and view the decision as a loss for the city of Berne and the neighbourhood in particular.

As the debate over the closure of the petting zoo continues, the animal park director is focusing on her long-term vision for the park. She aims to create modern workplaces, provide space for social areas and school classes, and develop the animal park into a nature-based learning environment for children and young people.

It remains to be seen how the debate will unfold and whether the petition to preserve the petting zoo will succeed. The future of the Bern Animal Park faces major changes as those responsible attempt to meet the needs of both humans and animals alike.

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