Experience the Polarium

Opened in September 2018, the Polarium is the newest highlight at the Rostock Zoo. A living museum that offers the polar bears and penguins as well as numerous sea dwellers spacious compounds with lots of space a variety – and takes visitors along on a journey from the North Pole to the South Pole – has come into being on a total of 12,500 square metres. Interesting facts about the animals, their endangerment, their habitats and much more is reviewed in a diverse multimedia and cross-generational manner, and creates incentives to get enthusiastic and involved with the animals as well as nature & species conservation.

Visiting with the penguins

The journey to the North Pole begins in the southern hemisphere with the Humboldt penguins. They guide you the way into the Polarium.

Eye to eye with the polar bears

Meet our Polar Bears at the Polarium. Many special insights in the compounds seem to make the Kings of the Artic be within reach and illustrate how impressive these unique animals are.

On artic terrain in the Ice Worlds

The way of life of the polar bears and their artic habitat are examined in greater detail in the Ice Worlds. Icebergs tower upwards in the visitor centre and transport guests into the Artic.

Submerge in the Marine Worlds

In the Marine Worlds visitors will submerge into the mystical underwater realm of our earth.

Visiting with the penguins

The journey to the North Pole begins in the southern hemisphere with the Humboldt penguins. Their compound is based on the habitat of birds along the Pacific coast of South America and provides lots of space on a total area of 850 square metres. The Humboldt penguins are able to dive and swim extensively in their spacious pool. Visitors can also observe them underwater here through large viewing windows. Various displays provide insights into the life of penguins and show their special features – such as the ability to drink saltwater, the possibility to “turn on the turbo” underwater and to adapt to their habitat in the cold Humboldt Current.

Eye to eye with the polar bears

An extensive tundra landscape extends where the historic Bärenburg was once located. Whereas a total of 34 offspring among the polar bears were recorded at this site, the Polarium laid the foundation to tie in with the breeding successes and to see many young polar bears grow up here in the future. The polar bears have lots of space in their compounds – to play and romp around, to swim and dive, to rest and find seclusion, and much more: 3,600 square metres with more than 400 square metres of water area are available to the animals. The compound’s design is based on Hudson Bay. Visitors can also observe the polar bears underwater via large viewing windows. Many special insights in the compounds seem to make the Kings of the Artic be within reach and illustrate how impressive these unique animals are. The Polarium is the home for three young polar bears. Akiak, Noria and Sizzel live here and obviously feel comfortable.

On artic terrain in the Ice Worlds

Polar bears are endangered. The disappearance of their habitat is the most important reason for the strong decline of populations. The way of life of the polar bears and their artic habitat are examined in greater detail in the Ice Worlds. Icebergs tower upwards in the visitor centre and transport guests into the Artic together with an impressive projection. Here visitors learn in a vivid way how polar bears are adapted to their inhospitable habitat, what is part of their diet, to what extent the sea ice is receding and much more. A special children’s level gives the young zoo friends the opportunity to approach the subject matter in a playful manner. In the Ice Worlds they can feel the teeth of a polar bear, seek shelter in a cosy snow cave, listen to exciting stories or compete in a long jump with the polar bears. There are also fascinating insights into the compounds of polar bears here. Visitors watch via large windows while Akiak, Noria and Sizzel leap into the water, dive and play, and are face to face with the animals.

Exhibition Marine World Polarium Rostock

Submerge in the Marine Worlds

In the Marine Worlds visitors will submerge into the mystical underwater realm of our earth. Numerous jellyfish, an octopus, moray eels, fire fish and many other exciting species live here. Europe’s largest jellyfish “kreisel tank” has also found its place here. Visitors can follow the leisurely activities of the sea dwellers in a tranquil atmosphere. Another special feature of the Marine Worlds is the Jellyfish Planet – the freestanding spherical aquarium with circulating water also accommodates jellyfish and fascinates guests. The section of the Polarium that features aquariums establishes the connection between the North Pole and South Pole. Remarkable animals show the species diversity which the seas and oceans can come up with here.