De Oliemeulen, Animal park in Tilburg, Netherlands
De Oliemeulen is an animal park in Tilburg that houses around 1000 animals across its compact grounds. The collection includes reptiles, primates, birds of prey, and meerkats.
The facility was founded in 1987 as a reptile house within an old farmhouse. It expanded in 1992 to include mammals and birds in its collection.
The zoo plays an important role in animal education by offering direct encounters where visitors can handle snakes, spiders, and other creatures. This hands-on approach to learning creates a meaningful connection between people and the animals.
The park opens daily and can be explored on foot, though walkways are quite compact. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and allow time to participate in the hands-on programs.
A memorable experience is having birds of prey land directly on visitors' arms during sessions. This close interaction with raptors creates one of the most striking moments at the facility.
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