Europe's Premier Conservation Zoo

Historic Legacy & Modern Excellence Established in 1857, Diergaarde Blijdorp stands as one of Europe's oldest and most respected zoological gardens. Originally a small collection in Rotterdam's city center, the zoo relocated to its current 25-hectare location in 1940 and has since evolved into a world-renowned modern conservation center.

Wildlife Collection

• 5,600+ animals and plants representing diverse species from around the world
• Home to successful Asian elephant breeding program
• Specialized breeding programs for endangered species
• International research facility with cutting-edge studies

Conservation Leadership Blijdorp is internationally recognized for groundbreaking breeding programs, particularly with:

• Asian elephants and polar bears
• Endangered species across multiple continents
• Global field conservation partnerships in Africa, Asia, and South America

Innovative Facilities

Revolutionary Oceanium (2001)

• Massive marine environment with underwater tunnel
• Houses sharks, sea turtles, polar bears, and sea lions
• Journey from North Sea to Caribbean waters

Amazonica (2018)

• Spectacular 2,500 sq meter tropical dome
• Free-flying South American butterflies
• Complete Amazon rainforest ecosystem

Asian Corridors

• Asian elephant breeding program
• Focus on human-animal conflict conservation
• Traditional Asian architectural elements

Philosophy & Mission Blijdorp's core mission centers on connecting people with nature through:

• Immersive habitat design that prioritizes animal welfare
• Educational experiences and conservation storytelling
• Research contributing to global conservation efforts
• Inspiring visitors to care about wildlife preservation

Current Focus: Impact Areas The zoo is organized around global conservation impact areas, each representing regions where Blijdorp actively contributes to species and habitat protection.