Historic Family Zoo in Best

Nearly a Century of Wildlife Care BestZoo, originally founded in 1930 as 'Vleut the Zoo,' is a charming small-scale zoo with a rich history spanning nearly a century. Located in Best, North Brabant, this intimate zoo has been owned and operated by the van Laarhoven family until 2007, when it was acquired by Zodiac Zoos and later sold to Jos Nooren in 2010, who continues to improve and modernize the facilities.

Big Cats Specialization Despite its compact size, BestZoo has gained recognition for its impressive collection of big cats:

Jaguars - Powerful South American predators in spacious enclosures
Black Panthers - Melanistic leopards showcasing stunning black coats
Leopards - Spotted cats demonstrating climbing and hunting behaviors
Lions - Majestic African cats in modernized habitats

Diverse Animal Collection Beyond big cats, BestZoo houses a variety of species:

Primates - Ring-tailed lemurs and other monkey species
Small mammals - Various species in naturalistic settings
Birds - Diverse collection including exotic species
Reptiles - Snakes, lizards, and other cold-blooded animals

Modernization & Improvements Under new ownership since 2010, BestZoo has undergone significant improvements:

Updated enclosures - More naturalistic settings replacing older exhibits
Enhanced animal welfare - Modern facilities prioritizing animal well-being
Family amenities - Playgrounds and dining facilities for visitors
Educational programs - Learning opportunities about wildlife conservation

Intimate Experience BestZoo's small scale creates a personal, intimate zoo experience where visitors can:

Observe animals up close in well-designed enclosures
Enjoy shorter walking distances suitable for young children
Receive personal attention from knowledgeable staff
Experience a relaxed, non-crowded environment

Conservation Mission Despite its size, BestZoo contributes to conservation through education and awareness, teaching visitors about the importance of protecting wildlife and their natural habitats.

Attracties in BestZoo

Big Cat Collection

Premier Big Cat Experience

Exceptional Feline Collection BestZoo's crown jewel features an impressive collection of big cats, showcasing some of the world's most magnificent predators in modern, naturalistic enclosures designed for both animal welfare and optimal viewing.

Species Highlights:

Jaguars - Powerful South American cats, excellent swimmers with the strongest bite force of all big cats
Black Panthers - Melanistic leopards with stunning black coats, demonstrating the same agility as spotted leopards
Leopards - Adaptable spotted cats showcasing impressive climbing abilities
Lions - Social African predators in spacious habitat allowing natural behaviors

Modern Enclosures:

Spacious environments with varied terrain
Climbing structures and elevated platforms
Water features for swimming and drinking
Multiple viewing angles for visitors
Enhanced safety measures with appropriate barriers

Educational Value: Informative displays educate visitors about big cat behavior, conservation challenges, and the differences between species while promoting awareness of threats facing wild populations.

Madagascar Lemur Island

Madagascar Experience

Island Habitat for Lemurs A specially designed island environment where ring-tailed lemurs can display natural behaviors in a safe, spacious setting that mimics their Madagascar homeland.

Habitat Features:

Island design - Natural barriers providing security while allowing freedom
Varied vegetation - Plants and trees encouraging natural foraging
Multi-level environment - Elevated areas for climbing and sunbathing
Social setting - Group dynamics allowing natural lemur social behavior

Behavioral Observations:

Sunbathing - Famous lemur morning sun-worship behavior
Social grooming - Important bonding activities within the group
Territorial displays - Scent marking and vocal communications
Foraging activities - Natural feeding behaviors

Conservation Message: Highlights the unique biodiversity of Madagascar and the conservation challenges facing lemurs in their native habitat due to deforestation and habitat loss.