Kaffee mit Waschbär – Wildtierretter in Berlin by Claudia Johanna Bauer

In the book Kaffee mit Waschbär (English: Coffee with Raccoon), author Claudia Johanna Bauer explores the stories of people in Berlin who are committed to helping wild animals. After all, in Berlin, there is (almost) always some kind of wild animal around. I really enjoyed reading this book and hope it reaches many people, helping to promote a more respectful attitude toward wildlife. Unfortunately, the book, so far, is only in German.

Überall in Berlin gibt es Wildtiere: Füchse streunen über den Alexanderplatz, Kaninchen mümmeln vor dem Reichstag, Fledermäuse hängen sich unter die Dachtraufe. Dass es diesen Tieren gut geht, dafür sorgen Berlins Tierretter.

Thoughts about the book

Berlin is loud. It feels like there’s a construction site on every corner. And during a walk through the city, you come across all sorts of trash. Bottles. Cigarette butts. Plastic packaging. Who would think to call Berlin the capital of bats or wild boars?

I’m not surprised at all. I’ve personally encountered a wide variety of animals in Berlin. Foxes. Wild boars. Hedgehogs. Bats. Wood mice. Raccoons. And so on. Not to mention the many bird species that have found a home in Berlin or spend time in the city temporarily.

Because I’m very passionate about Berlin’s wildlife, I was excited to hear about the book project Kaffee mit Waschbär. The project started with a crowdfunding campaign—which, of course, I supported. Luckily, the campaign was successful, or this wonderful book wouldn’t have come to life.

In the book, the author introduces people who are dedicated to helping wild animals in Berlin. There’s a veterinarian who treats injured mallards with broken wings. A biologist researching the lives of urban foxes. And also people who don’t work with animals professionally but still choose to help them.

I didn’t read the book all in one go, because I didn’t want to rush through each story or chapter just to get to the next. I wanted to take my time. To reflect on what I had read. Every story was fascinating. I was curious to see which wildlife encounters the author would share with her readers. The book has just under 200 pages. I could have easily read more. I’m sure there are many more wildlife stories waiting to be told in Berlin…

Do you have a story about wild animals in Berlin? Or perhaps from another city?

Conclusion

Have you heard of the book Kaffee mit Waschbär? Or do you have a special experience with urban wildlife you’d like to share? Let us know in the comments!