Diergaarde Blijdorp, Zoo and botanical garden in Blijdorp district, Rotterdam, Netherlands
Diergaarde Blijdorp is a zoological and botanical garden in the Blijdorp district of Rotterdam, covering a large area of parkland. The complex includes animal enclosures housing hundreds of species, greenhouses with tropical and subtropical plants, and an aquarium featuring marine life.
The institution was founded in the mid-19th century in central Rotterdam before moving to its present site in 1940. The new location followed designs by Sybold van Ravesteyn and introduced modern planning to the facilities.
This park blends animal care, plant research and public education in the Dutch tradition, presenting species from all continents. Its commitment to breeding programs and plant collections is visible in the design of enclosures and greenhouses.
The park opens every morning and remains accessible until late afternoon, with longer hours in warm weather. Most paths are paved and allow orientation through signage pointing to different sections.
In 2001, the Oceanium opened as a large aquarium complex that remains the most extensive building expansion to date. This addition brought new underwater worlds to the park and fundamentally changed its offerings.
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