Antwerp Zoo

Antwerp Zoo, officially known as ZOO Antwerpen, is a historic zoological garden located in the heart of Antwerp, Belgium, adjacent to the city's central railway station. Established on July 21, 1843, it holds the distinction of being the oldest animal park in Belgium and ranks among the oldest in the world. The zoo is managed by De Koninklijke Maatschappij voor Dierkunde van Antwerpen (The Antwerp Royal Society for Zoology), originally founded to promote zoological and botanical sciences.

History and Development

From its inception, Antwerp Zoo has been a center for scientific inquiry and public education. The first director, zoologist Jacques Kets, ensured the construction of a museum to house his collections, which was inaugurated in 1844. Over the years, the zoo's grounds expanded from less than 1.59 hectares to over 10.5 hectares. Notable architectural additions from its early period include the Egyptian temple (1856) and the antelope building (1861), which now houses okapis. The zoo has also embraced a cultural role, with its former museum building being replaced by a concert hall that serves as the residence for the Antwerp Symphony Orchestra.

Following World War II, Antwerp Zoo was modernized to meet contemporary scientific, educational, cultural, and aesthetic standards. This era saw the enlargement of animal enclosures and the construction of new facilities, such as the primate building (1958) and the jubileum complex with the nocturama (1968). The zoo introduced educational programs and planetarium exhibits in the late 1960s. Its architectural and horticultural significance led to the entire park being classified as a monument on January 1, 1983.

Animals, Exhibits, and Conservation

Antwerp Zoo is home to a vast array of wildlife, with over 7,000 animals representing approximately 950 species, in collaboration with its sister park, Planckendael. Visitors can explore diverse exhibits such as Vriesland, featuring penguins; the Aquaforum, currently housing sea lions; a renovated reptile house; and an aquarium with a wide variety of fish. Iconic structures like the Egyptian temple house elephants and giraffes, while the Moorish temple is home to okapis, a species Antwerp Zoo was the first in the world to exhibit in 1918.

The zoo plays a crucial role in wildlife conservation, actively participating in breeding programs for endangered species including the okapi, Przewalski's horse, bonobos, and golden-headed lion tamarins, as part of the European Endangered Species Programme. The Centre for Research and Conservation (CRC) within the zoo conducts research both on-site and in various international locations, contributing to the conservation of wildlife and their natural habitats. The society also manages nature preserves, such as De Zegge and Domein Planckendael, further underscoring its commitment to preservation.