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GaiaZOO
Address
Brughofweg 25, 6468 PB Kerkrade, Netherlands
Country
netherlands
Website
https://www.gaiazoo.nlOpening Hours
Daily from 10:00. Closing times vary: March-June & September-November: 17:00, July-August: 18:00, November-February: 16:00
Popularity
High (460,000+ visitors annually - Best Trip of the Netherlands award winner)
Award-Winning World Journey Zoo Experience
Unique World Travel Concept GaiaZOO offers visitors the extraordinary experience of traveling around the world in a single day, journeying from African savannahs to Amazon rainforests to Arctic tundra. Located in the scenic hills of South Limburg near the German border, this award-winning zoo has been recognized as 'Best Trip of the Netherlands' multiple times (2013, 2018, 2020).
Immersive Ecosystem Design
- World journey theme - Experience different continents and ecosystems
- 2,000+ animals representing over 150 species
- Naturalistic habitats with spacious, species-appropriate enclosures
- Beautiful landscaping set in green, hilly terrain
- Educational focus on conservation and animal welfare
Award-Winning Excellence GaiaZOO has earned multiple prestigious awards for its innovative design, exceptional animal care, and outstanding visitor experience, establishing it as one of the Netherlands' premier zoological destinations.
Distinctive Regional Features
African Savannah
- Vast grasslands housing giraffes, rhinos, lions, and cheetahs
- Spacious enclosures allowing natural behaviors
- Multiple viewing perspectives across rolling terrain
Amazon Rainforest
- Squirrel monkey forest where monkeys climb overhead
- Immersive jungle environment with diverse primate species
- Educational focus on rainforest conservation
Taiga Environment
- Northern animals including wolves and musk oxen
- Unique species not found in other Dutch zoos
- Arctic and sub-arctic habitat recreation
Limburg Local Wildlife
- Regional species and farm animals
- Connection to local ecosystem and environment
Conservation & Education GaiaZOO emphasizes wildlife conservation through education, research participation, and breeding programs. The zoo's design philosophy prioritizes animal welfare while creating meaningful connections between visitors and wildlife.
Attractions in GaiaZOO
African Savannah
Experience the African Plains
Vast Savannah Experience The African Savannah at GaiaZOO offers one of the most authentic African wildlife experiences in the Netherlands, with massive enclosures allowing animals to roam freely across grassland terrain.
Savannah Highlights:
- Expansive grasslands - Animals roam across large, open spaces
- Natural terrain - Rolling hills and varied landscapes
- Multiple viewing points - Strategic observation areas throughout
- Species diversity - Full range of African savannah wildlife
Wildlife Encounters:
- Reticulated giraffes - World's tallest mammals in family groups
- White rhinoceros - Impressive megafauna in spacious habitat
- African lions - Majestic predators demonstrating natural behaviors
- Cheetahs - World's fastest land animals in appropriate territory
- African antelopes - Various species creating authentic savannah atmosphere