Artisklas Haarlem, Educational zoo in Haarlem, Netherlands.
Artisklas Haarlem is a small zoo featuring four animal houses and outdoor enclosures in the city of Haarlem. The collection displays reptiles, invertebrates, and dioramas showing eight different biotopes found in the regional area.
The facility began in 1964 when J.J. Molenaar, a former Artis employee, gave animal lessons in a basement space. The project moved to different locations over time before settling at Schoterbos in 1972.
The place takes its name from Artis, a well-known Amsterdam zoo, and maintains this connection through its focus on animal education. Visitors encounter trained volunteers who share their knowledge about the animals on display.
The place opens only on weekends with limited visiting hours, so plan your time accordingly. The facility is relatively small and easy to navigate, and a visit typically takes about an hour.
It holds the status of the smallest registered zoo in the Netherlands and runs entirely on volunteer power. This all-volunteer structure makes it a rare example of a community-driven facility of its kind.
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