Apple's Planet

Apple in Hagenbeck Tierpark - 2007

Hagenbeck Tierpark is one of the best zoos in Europe and is home to around 2,500 animals. It remains as one of the most animal friendly zoos in the world. It is the first zoo to use open enclosures surrounded by moats, rather than barred cages, to better approximate animals in their natural habitat.

It was founded by Carl Hagenbeck and was opened for public in Hamburg in the year of 1907. The zoo was rebuilt after being destroyed by Allied bombing during the World War II.

In the year 2003 the Hagenbecks (now owned by his sons) carried out a spectacular structural change. Now, the new main entrance to the park has been created with a 16m high Nepalese Pagoda which fits in very beautifully with the arrangement of the new main entrance.

The zoo is celebrating its Centenial in 2007 and I am glad that I had the opportunity to be part of the festivities and photogrpah the animals.

As usual, it rained heavily from the time I landed in Hamburg even though I hoped and prayed for a clear day. Though it rained heavily at times, it was intermittent which gave me the opportunity to capture only a few of the animals.

It was not the optimal weather for photography however, I have given my best using the poor lighting conditions I had for the shoot.