ZOO Antwerpen

The Antwerp Zoo is a popular zoo in Belgium, which was opened in 1843, making it the second oldest zoo in the country. It is located in the heart of the city of Antwerp, in the district of Zuid (South). The zoo covers an area of about 10 hectares and houses over 5,000 animals from more than 950 species. The history of the Antwerp Zoo began in 1841 when the Antwerp city administration selected a site in the Zuid district for the construction of a zoo. The zoo was opened to the public three years later, on May 21, 1843. The original purpose of the zoo was to provide the citizens of Antwerp with a place for recreation and education.Over the years, the Antwerp Zoo has been continually improved through various expansions and renovations. Some of the most notable expansions include:1. The Elephant Park (1907): The Elephant Park is one of the landmarks of the zoo. It was built in 1907 and has since been the home of numerous elephants.2. The Aquarium (1953): The aquarium was opened in 1953 and is one of the oldest aquariums in Europe. It houses a variety of marine creatures, including sharks, rays, and seahorses.3. The Bonobo House (2005): The Bonobo House was opened in 2005 and is an architecturally remarkable building that mimics the lifestyle of the bonobos, a species of great apes.4. The Penguin House (2006): The Penguin House, also known as "Het IJsland" (The Ice Land), was opened in 2006 and is home to various species of penguins.5. The Okapi House (2019): The Okapi House was opened in 2019 and is currently the only facility outside the Congo where okapis are kept.Today, the Antwerp Zoo is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. It houses a variety of animals, including elephants, giraffes, gorillas, lions, penguins, seals, sea lions, snakes, and birds. In addition, the zoo offers a wide range of educational programs, tours, and events.The Antwerp Zoo is known for its work in animal and species protection and is a member of numerous international breeding programs. It is also involved in numerous research projects and has set itself the goal of creating awareness for the protection of animals and their habitats.