Pairi Daiza

Pairi Daiza: A Zoological and Botanical Paradise

Pairi Daiza, formerly known as Paradisio, is a prominent privately owned zoo and botanical garden located in Brugelette, Hainaut, Belgium. Established in 1993, the park is situated on the historical grounds of the former Cistercian Cambron Abbey, blending natural habitats with cultural recreations. The name "Pairi Daiza" itself is derived from an ancient term signifying "paradise," reflecting the park's ambition to create an immersive and enchanting experience for its visitors.

History and Development

The site's history dates back to 1148 with the establishment of the Cambron Abbey. Following the abbey's dissolution, the property was acquired and developed, eventually leading to the founding of the park. The entire property has been a protected area since 1982. Initially opening as a bird garden, Paradisio expanded significantly over the years. By 2000, it included the "Oasis," a large greenhouse, and by 2001, it introduced an aquarium, monkey islands, and lemur enclosures. The park continued to evolve, adding themed gardens and exhibits, such as the "Dream of Han Wu Di" Chinese garden in 2006 and the "Kingdom of Ganesha" Indonesian garden in 2009, the same year it adopted its current name, Pairi Daiza.

Themed Worlds and Exhibits

Pairi Daiza is renowned for its meticulously crafted themed "worlds," which aim to recreate the natural environments and cultural landscapes of various regions. These include:

• Cambron-Abbey: The original section, featuring abbey ruins and a reconstruction of its brewery.
• Cambron-by-the-Sea: Focused on its aquarium and marine life, with a lighthouse replica and walk-through enclosures.
• The Middle Kingdom: The largest Chinese garden in Europe, showcasing Chinese architecture, flora, and fauna.
• The Kingdom of Ganesha: Europe's largest Indonesian garden, featuring Balinese Hindu temples and traditional houses, alongside Asian elephants and Bengal tigers.
• The Land of Origins: An African-themed area with giraffe enclosures and replicas of African villages.
• The Southern Cape: Highlighting the flora and fauna of Oceania, including kangaroos and koalas.
• The Last Frontier: Representing the flora and fauna of North America, with enclosures for wolves and bears.
• The Land of the Cold: An Antarctic and Arctic-themed area with enclosures for penguins, polar bears, and walruses.
• The Islands of the Rising Sun: A Japanese-themed area with traditional gardens and architecture.
• Edenya: The Living Sanctuary: A large covered tropical garden featuring diverse plant species and animals like jaguars and pygmy hippopotamuses.

Notable exhibits include "The Nautilus" aquarium, the "Cathedral Aviary," and "Mersus Emergo," which houses a rescue center for abandoned reptiles.

Conservation and Operations

Pairi Daiza is a member of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) and participates in the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP), demonstrating a commitment to wildlife conservation and breeding. The park is owned and operated by Pairi Daiza Belgium SA and is a significant tourist attraction, offering an expansive experience that combines education, conservation, and entertainment.