Wildlands Adventure Zoo Emmen
Drenthe
Wildlands Adventure Zoo Emmen, opened in March 2016, is a large, modern zoo located in Emmen, the Netherlands. It replaced the former Emmen Zoo and expanded the animal exhibit space while reducing the number of species to about 100, focusing on quality and immersive habitats. The zoo is divided into four main thematic areas: Jungola, Serenga, Nortica, and Animazia. Jungola features a tropical jungle atmosphere highlighted by Rimbula, the largest indoor tropical rainforest hall in the world and Europe's largest greenhouse, housing species such as Asian elephants, ring-tailed lemurs, and large reptiles. Serenga represents the African savanna with lions, giraffes, zebras, white rhinoceros, and wallabies. Nortica showcases cold ocean environments with polar bears, sea lions, seals, and penguins. Animazia is an indoor playground combined with an aquarium exhibiting corals, tropical fish, and green sea turtles. The zoo integrates animal exhibits with themed buildings, shops, restaurants, and entertainment, creating an engaging visitor experience. Since opening, Wildlands has undergone expansions including new animal enclosures and attractions like a roller coaster. It emphasizes conservation, education, and animal welfare through its dedicated nature and education fund. Wildlands is notable for its innovative design, blending zoo and theme park elements, and remains a key attraction in the Drenthe region.
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Astuce: Visit Wildlands Adventure Zoo Emmen during spring or early autumn for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Purchasing tickets online in advance is recommended to avoid queues and secure entry. The zoo offers discounts for children, seniors, and groups, and occasionally special rates during off-peak periods. Plan at least half a day to explore all themed areas thoroughly. Check the official website for updated opening hours and special events before your visit.
Faits intéressants
- •Rimbula, the indoor tropical rainforest hall in Wildlands, is the largest zoo jungle hall in the world and the largest greenhouse in Europe, covering 18,000 m².
- •The zoo reduced its animal species from about 300 in the old Emmen Zoo to around 100 species to focus on immersive habitats and animal welfare.
- •Wildlands opened officially on March 18, 2016, by King Willem Alexander and attracted 1.3 million visitors in its first year.
- •The zoo includes a unique combination of zoo exhibits and theme park attractions, including a roller coaster named Tweestryd introduced in 2018.
- •Wildlands has a dedicated Nature and Education Fund supporting conservation, research, and animal welfare projects.
- •The park faced financial challenges due to declining visitors but was supported by the municipality of Emmen, which became its sole shareholder in 2020.
Histoire
Wildlands Adventure Zoo Emmen was developed as a successor to the original Emmen Zoo, which faced spatial limitations and declining visitor numbers.
After years of planning and municipal approval, construction began in 2013 with a budget of 200 million euros funded by local government and other stakeholders.
The zoo officially opened in March 2016, inaugurated by King Willem Alexander.
Initial visitor numbers were strong but declined over subsequent years, prompting a shift in focus towards animal exhibits rather than attractions.
The municipality of Emmen became the sole shareholder in 2020, supporting the zoo through financial difficulties.
Since then, Wildlands has adapted with new enclosures and attractions, recovering visitor numbers and earning recognition as the best zoo in the Netherlands in 2019.
Guide du lieu
Jungola2016
A jungle-themed area featuring a vast indoor tropical rainforest hall called Rimbula, home to Asian elephants, ring-tailed lemurs, lar gibbons, butterflies, tropical birds, large reptiles like Chinese alligators and pythons, and small-clawed otters.
Serenga2016
An African savanna-themed area housing lions, Grant's zebras, Rothschild's giraffes, white rhinoceros, hamadryas baboons, and Australian red-necked wallabies, along with themed buildings and attractions.
Nortica2016
A cold ocean-themed area featuring polar bears, Californian sea lions, South American fur seals, and Humboldt penguins, with habitats designed to mimic polar environments.
Animazia2016
An indoor playground combined with an aquarium displaying corals, green sea turtles, and tropical fish, designed for family entertainment and education.
Contact
Téléphone: 0591 850 855
