Europe's Premier Conservation Zoo

Journey to Himalayan Heights

From Foothills to Mountain Peaks Experience the diverse ecosystems of the Himalayas, from lowland rhino habitats to mountain forests.

Elevation Journey:

• Himalayan Foothills - Begin with Indian rhinoceros habitat
• Mountain Animals Rock - Elevated viewing for red pandas and deer
• Forest Guardian Hut - Nepal-themed educational center
• Peak Environment - Authentic mountain forest recreation

Conservation Story: Partnership with Red Panda Network in Nepal demonstrates community-based conservation efforts to protect endangered red pandas and their mountain forest habitats.

Species Highlights:

• Red pandas - Climbing and foraging in bamboo forests
• Indian rhinoceros - Representing lowland conservation success
• Tufted deer - Shy mountain dwellers rarely seen in captivity

Underwater Journey Through Ocean Worlds

Netherlands' Largest Aquarium Experience The crown jewel of Blijdorp, featuring a spectacular underwater tunnel where sharks and sea turtles swim overhead.

Marine Ecosystems:

• North Sea Aquarium - Local fish species in massive tank
• Coral Reef Section - Living coral and tropical fish
• Caribbean Coast - Cow-nosed rays and tropical marine life
• Underwater Tunnel - Walk beneath swimming sharks and turtles

Arctic Section:

• Polar bears in climate-controlled environment
• Penguins in authentic polar conditions
• Sea lions with daily presentations

Visitor Experience: A complete marine journey from North Sea to Caribbean, ending in Arctic waters with spectacular underwater viewing opportunities.

Asian Elephant Breeding Program

Conservation-Focused Elephant Habitat Part of the Asian Corridors impact area, showcasing Asian elephants in naturalistic surroundings with ongoing breeding success.

Habitat Features:

• Large naturalistic environment - extensive roaming and grazing space
• Swimming and bathing areas - for cooling and natural behaviors
• Mud wallows - essential for elephant skin care
• Indoor and outdoor viewing - year-round elephant observation
• Traditional Asian architectural elements

Conservation Story: Highlights human-elephant conflict issues in Asia and fragmented habitats, while demonstrating successful breeding programs contributing to species preservation.

Notable Events: Regular elephant births have made this one of Europe's most successful Asian elephant breeding programs, with baby elephants born regularly.

Amazon Rainforest Under Glass

Europe's Most Beautiful Butterfly Paradise A spectacular 2,500 square meter domed tropical environment bringing the Amazon rainforest to the Netherlands.

Immersive Rainforest Experience:

• Free-flying butterflies - Hundreds of colorful South American species
• Tropical river system - Complete with flowing water features
• Dense rainforest vegetation - Authentic Amazon plant species
• Wildlife encounters - Snakes, turtles, and aquatic species

Special Features:

• Climate-controlled dome - Perfect tropical conditions year-round
• Butterfly mail system - Cocoons shipped directly from Costa Rica
• Interactive river - Piranhas and other South American fish
• Photography opportunities - Butterflies may land on visitors

Conservation Message: Showcases the world's second-largest rainforest and educates about Amazon conservation challenges through immersive experience.

Home of Famous Bokito the Gorilla

Secure Island Habitat for Gorilla Family Specially designed island environment for Western lowland gorillas, famous worldwide for Bokito's 2007 escape incident.

Habitat Design:

• Island setting - Natural barriers providing security
• Enhanced safety features - 5-meter rock face barrier installed after 2007
• Multiple viewing areas - Safe observation from various angles
• Natural vegetation - Dense plantings for gorilla enrichment

The Bokito Story: Bokito, the silverback male, became internationally famous in 2007 when he escaped and injured a visitor. This led to enhanced safety measures and better understanding of human-gorilla interactions.

Conservation Focus: Represents West and Central African rainforest conservation challenges, showcasing these endangered primates while educating about habitat loss and protection efforts.

Polar Bear Ice Cave Experience

Climate-Controlled Arctic Environment Step into a specially designed ice cave for up-close polar bear encounters, both underwater and on land.

Arctic Features:

• Ice cave viewing - Unique underground perspective of polar bears
• Underwater observation - Watch polar bears swimming and diving
• Arctic climate simulation - Authentic polar conditions year-round
• Multi-species Arctic habitat - Foxes, owls, and eagles

Special Attraction: Famous for baby polar bear Vicks (now relocated to Mulhouse) who once broke an aquarium window while playing - the incident is shown in a special theater presentation.

Educational Experience: Interactive displays about climate change impacts on polar bear habitats and Arctic conservation efforts.