Since World War II, many Western (and some Eastern) Bloc zoos have expanded their collections, leading to higher standards in enclosure design and animal husbandry practices. This trend led to significant expansions among these facilities as they added enclosures and improved animal husbandry practices.
However, it should be remembered that biodiversity conservation efforts should primarily center on measures in the wild; zoos may offer support by providing an educational platform.
Zoos in Europe
Zoos offer visitors an intriguing insight into nature and are invaluable tools for protecting endangered species through captive breeding programs. Plus, they’re filled with fun educational experiences for visitors of all ages!
Europe boasts many zoological parks to visit, with Antwerp Zoo in Belgium, home to over 7,000 animals, boasting one of the world’s most advanced research centers for zoo-based research. Planckendael Zoo Park also stands out due to its conservation activities.
Edinburgh Zoo is another popular tourist spot, offering safari rides on specially modified vehicles to observe wild African animals in their natural environments. Meanwhile, Port Lympne in Kent is famed for its herds of Siberian Tigers as well as offering a Dinosaur Forest, as well as housing one of Britain’s only herds of Koalas!
Antwerp Zoo
Antwerp Zoo was established in 1843 and is one of the world’s oldest zoological parks, boasting more than 950 different species that will keep you busy for a full-day trip through this wildlife paradise. Be sure to plan ahead.
In the nineteenth century, several exotic-style buildings were constructed to house animals at Belgian zoos, such as an Egyptian Temple decorated with hieroglyphs modeled after London’s Crystal Palace or Moorish Temple, which housed Giraffes – both unique to Belgium and protected monuments.
Modern European zoos like Antwerp Zoo serve both educational and social purposes, reflecting society’s current understanding of humanity’s relationship to nature. Antwerp’s Zoo is committed to environmental preservation and striving toward a sustainable future through historical heritage preservation as well as innovation that puts animal welfare and visitor experience front and center of its activities.
The Deep in Hull
Located in Hull, England, The Deep is an aquarium housed within an eye-catching modern building overlooking the Humber estuary. This breathtaking facility combines live exhibits with audiovisual presentations to tell the tale of our oceans from their origin to their future.
Visit Tropical Lagoon of Light to witness a teeming variety of exotic fish and tour Europe’s deepest viewing tunnel in the Endless Ocean exhibit that houses 2,500,000 liters. Sharks, rays, and northern Europe’s only pair of green sawfish reside here, as well as coral, jellyfish, turtles, Amazon-flooded forests, frogs, and insects, are just some of what you will encounter at these exhibits.
The Deep is dedicated to conservation efforts and actively participates in penguin protection, turtle rescue, and coral preservation initiatives. Their team of aquarists works hard to breed and cultivate animals, which will then be displayed for visitors to view. Furthermore, its education program engages 30,000 school children annually with marine wildlife topics, including food chains.
Zoos in Belgium
Belgium offers visitors an abundance of animal parks that allow visitors to experience animal habitats first-hand. From Mechelen Zoo and Planckendael Wildlife Parks, Belgium boasts an array of wildlife attractions for animal enthusiasts.
Pairi Daiza near Mons is one of the more beloved zoos in Belgium, as it offers visitors an unrivaled experience while providing animals with plenty of space to roam freely. Furthermore, this Zoo stands out by showing more baby animals than other regular zoos do.
Ideal for family outings and romantic escapes alike, the National Zoological Gardens provides the ideal place for an enjoyable visit and study trip. Additionally, their mission of supporting wildlife conservation makes this an important place of study and research.
By Amey MyersAmey, an intrepid traveler and avid blogger, roams the world, absorbing diverse cultures, flavors, and experiences. Her writing captures the essence of her adventures, inspiring others to explore. Amey's infectious passion for travel and storytelling epitomizes a life filled with exploration and adventure.
