Farewell to gawking through iron cages. Modern zoos are active conservation agencies which seek to communicate a holistic understanding of endangered animals and their native habitats.

Based on Walter Vetsch\'s new masterplan, water cascades down a naturalistic waterfall and river system meandering through the new bear enclosure, before being circulated through cleansing biotopes. The three beds of the cleansing biotope are placed so that the reeds form a natural barrier, disguising the necessary barrier elements of the enclosure.

The cleansing biotopes themselves are a nature-based method for treating water. Dirty water percolates through sand layers planted with wetland plants.

The system is fed by rainwater to cut down on potable water consumption. This water management concept has not only a long-term beneficial effect on natural resources, but also has significantly reduced operation costs. And the bears? Enjoy every drop.