Discover your experience
- Step into the heart of Amsterdam and discover the oldest zoo in the Netherlands, a beautifully preserved institution that also ranks among the world’s oldest—fifth oldest globally—where history and modern conservation meet in an unforgettable urban oasis.
- Wander into the recently reimagined lion enclosure and be moved by the sight of these powerful animals in a space crafted to echo their natural surroundings, designed to give visitors an up-close sense of their presence while prioritizing the lions’ welfare.
- Lose yourself in the atmospheric Forest House and Bird House, where a captivating mix of species share lush, multilayered habitats that illustrate the intricate balance of life and the dazzling variety of our planet’s avian and forest-dwelling creatures.
- As you stroll through the park’s historic grounds, take in the living history around you: stately monuments that whisper stories from centuries past, towering mature trees that create a cathedral-like canopy, and colorful flower beds that perfume the air and paint the landscape with seasonal bursts of hue.
- Watch giraffes, zebras, and kudus move together on a recreated savannah exhibit that feels like a postcard from Africa—graceful, serene and perfectly composed, offering filmmakers’ moments and quiet chances to reflect on the scale and beauty of wild herds.
- Check the daily program for keeper talks and animal demonstrations—friendly, informative sessions where you can see sea lions perform playful behaviors, learn about the personalities and care of Asian elephants, and meet many other fascinating residents while hearing experts explain conservation and animal care.
- Venture into the Planetarium for an immersive, seat-gripping journey through space; your ticket includes the Worlds Beyond Earth show, a thought-provoking voyage aimed at visitors aged seven and up that invites you to marvel at the cosmos and reconsider Earth’s singular place within it.
- Step into the Butterfly Pavilion and let hundreds of delicate wings surround you in a floating mosaic of color and motion—an instant mood lifter and a gentle reminder of how fragile, fleeting and spectacular small species can be.
- Pause in the botanical garden to admire careful landscaping and plant collections that complement the animal exhibits, then treat yourself to a relaxed meal in one of the zoo’s cozy vegetarian cafés, where creative plant-based dishes make for a satisfying, eco-friendly pit stop.
- Let the whole experience sink in as more than a day of sightseeing: this zoo is an invitation to connect with nature, to grasp the vital role wildlife plays in our world, and to leave with a deeper appreciation and respect for the living systems that sustain us all.
