As of: January 25, 2024 11:14 a.m
Insects, big cats and a stork pierced by an arrow: researchers at the University of Rostock have been collecting animal specimens since 1775. Two ichthyosaur skeletons and a polar bear can also be seen in the zoological collection.
The exhibition is open to the public and admission is free. On around 200 square meters, visitors can discover taxidermy bears, big cats and birds, as well as a huge elephant skeleton and tiny beetles. The collection focuses on animals that live in seas and other bodies of water, as well as birds and insects. The oldest specimen, a boxfish, dates from 1735. Around 140,000 exhibits from the animal kingdom can be seen – they are of international importance for research.
Known worldwide: the Rostock arrow stork
In the 19th century, the specimen proved that storks travel thousands of kilometers to overwinter in the south.
One of the most important specimens is the Rostock arrow stork from 1822. Its discovery proved that birds migrate south and do not hibernate at the bottom of the Baltic Sea or in caves, as was assumed in the 18th century. In the body of the white stork that the then Imperial Count von Bothmer killed, there is a carved arrow with an iron tip.
The arrow, which comes from Africa, shows that the animal must have sustained the injury there. The arrow stork thus provided the first evidence of long-distance migration of storks to equatorial Africa. Today the Rostock arrow stork is known worldwide.
Polar bear “Churchill” and special exhibitions on the ground floor
“Churchill” died of old age in 2013. It was then prepared for collection.
At the entrance to the exhibition, polar bear “Churchill”, who lived in the Rostock Zoo until his death in 2013, welcomes visitors. The Zoological Institute regularly shows special exhibitions on the ground floor; there is currently an exhibition on animal migrations. The historical display magazine is located on the second floor as a permanent exhibition. Some of the exhibits are located close together, and many of them are presented in historical wooden display cases.
In addition to taxidermy animals, the exhibition also shows glass and wax models, bones and wall panels. New since 2023 is the Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania Biodiversity Wall, which presents a section of the state’s biodiversity.
Collection and university with a long tradition
Visitors can explore the zoological collection on their own or arrange a guided tour. Not only the collection, but also the Rostock University is one of the oldest in Germany. It was founded in 1419 and, with around 13,000 students, is the largest in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. The archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann studied here, as did the writer Erich Kästner and the former Federal President Joachim Gauck.
Rostock Zoological Collection
Institute of Biological Sciences
University place 2
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m
admission free
Further information in the collection flyer
Further information
The old town, harbor and Warnemünde characterize Rostock, as do buildings from the GDR era. The city’s lifeline is the Warnow. more
Polar bears, great apes, leopards: the extensive facility provides insights into the planet’s various animal worlds. more
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Northern Tour: Experience the North | 01/27/2024 | 6:00 p.m