Antwerp Zoo

The Antwerp Zoo is located on the Astrid Square in the center of Antwerp, Belgium, near the railway station. It is home to over 5,000 animals and is the oldest zoo in the country. It was founded on July 21, 1843. He has about 1.3 million visitors each year.

History of the zoo

Since its opening, the park of the Koninklijke Maatschappij voor Dier customer van Antwerpen (Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp ) is operated. The original goal was to study the zoological and botanical science and to arouse interest for it in the population. For the office of the first Director of the renowned zoologist and botanist Jacques Kets (November 10, 1785 - February 1, 1865 ) was proposed. He took this position only under the condition that a museum is put in place to accommodate its natural history collections. This building was also opened in 1844 by King Leopold I of Belgium. The royal title was added to the name of the company on this occasion.

During the years the zoo has tried to encourage wildlife and nature conservation through various activities and exhibitions on a relaxing educational, scientific and cultural level.

During the first period of its existence, the area of ​​land of less than 2 to more than 10 acres has been expanded. Notable buildings of this period are the replica of an Egyptian temple Elephant House (1856 ) and the Antelope House ( 1861) where now the okapi are held in an oriental style.

The zoo also has a cultural function. Originally concerts were performed in the garden. The museum building was later torn down to build a concert hall. The museum moved to its second floor.

After the Second World War, the zoo was converted to a progressive zoo, which adapted itself to the new and modern scientific, educational, cultural and aesthetic standards. The animals were given enough space and light. Buildings from this period include the Monkey House (1958 ) and the jubilee complex, which was opened on 125th anniversary along with the Nocturama 1968 for nocturnal animals. The Jubilee complex houses birds of prey and sea lions. 1973 a modern building for reptiles and 1978 for a smaller species of monkeys was built. The older monkey house was renovated in 1989. In 1969, the planetarium was opened.

On January 1, 1983, the zoo was declared a National Monument. In 1997, the country opened Vries ( Eisland ). Here live the king penguins and macaroni penguins. In spring 1999, the elephant house was extended. 2003 were received by a large number of animals, including hippos and tapirs, as well as a part of the marsh birds a new home in Hippotopia.

Animals

Along with its outstation and " sister park " Planckendael keeps the Zoological Society of Antwerp over 5000 animals from about 950 species, including:

  • Crocodiles in the old reptile house, built in 1904 and renovated in 1974;
  • Okapi, Antwerp was the first zoo that kept these animals;
  • Apes, including the only attitude of eastern lowland gorillas in Europe
  • Penguins: King penguins, rockhopper penguins and macaroni penguins;
  • Sea lions give each day a demonstration.

Breeding programs

The breeding programs of the Antwerp Zoo play a major role in the preservation of endangered species such as Okapi, Przewalski's horse, Congo peacock, bonobo, gold -headed lion tamarins and otters. The zoo also participates in the European Endangered Species Programme.

Outstations

In 1952 the Zooleitung acquire a nature reserve in De Zegge in Geel, where not only the animal, but also nature conservation is an important main task. The surface of this area is about 96 hectares. In 1956 you could buy the area Planckendael in Muizen near Mechelen. It comprises an area of ​​40 hectares and has become an ever-growing zoo.

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