In the heart of the bustling city sits Artis Amsterdam Royal Zoo, the oldest zoo in The Netherlands and one of the oldest in Europe. Whether you are visiting Amsterdam with a group of friends or taking the family on vacation, a trip to the zoo is a wonderful way to pass the time.
As part of their The Zookeeper Presents programme, Artis offers you the chance to get close to the animals as well as hear first-hand accounts from their keepers. Each day, throughout the zoo at selected animal enclosures, you can listen as the experts speak in-depth about their animals. If you follow the Artis daily schedule you can learn about the hunting techniques of lions, watch vultures strip cadavers at feeding time, or walk through the red ruffed lemur enclosure with their keeper.
Artis is home to over 750 species of exotic animals, enough to keep the whole family fascinated for hours. The delicate beauty of butterflies will surround you in the Butterfly Pavilion, where you can also get the opportunity to watch them emerge from their cocoons in the chrysalis cabinet. Watch the keepers feed the sea lions from their aquatic exhibit. The sea lions are trained so that the veterinarian can treat them. You wont want to miss their daily display where they show off their skills. No trip to the zoo would be complete without primates, and at the Artis Gorilla House you can take in these majestic creatures in close proximity.
With your zoo admission ticket, you can also adventure through space at the Artis Planetarium. If you are travelling with children, the Planetarium is a beautiful and entertaining way to take a break from walking for a while. You will travel past planets, moons, stars and galaxies, and journey beyond our own Milky Way, all from the comfort of the Artis Planetarium auditorium.
You will find beauty at the Artis Aquarium both inside and out. The elegant Romanesque building and national monument is home to numerous species of tropical fish, seahorses, sharks and even endangered coral. As well as being surrounded by brilliantly colourful exotic creatures, you can also get the chance to peek beneath the surface of a typical Amsterdam canal or learn about marine life in The Netherlands. If you venture to Artis Micropia you can watch as microbes are cultivated for fish food.
Within the leafy green surrounds of Artis park, stands the Welgelegen Residence, an elegant 18th-century house offering overnight stays. Perfect for a romantic getaway, you can make your trip to Artis extra-special by finishing off the day listening to the cries of the jungle ring out. Although it may be an expensive option, the price of your stay includes entry to the zoo and will offer a uniquely memorable experience.
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