The Antwerp Zoo, opened on July 21, 1843, is the oldest zoo in Belgium and one of the oldest in the world. It is home to more than 6,000 animals and is managed by the Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp. Each year, the zoo attracts an estimated 1 million visitors, making it a major contributor to tourism in the city.
Although it keeps animals for public display, the zoo is also a strong advocate for animal welfare and wildlife conservation. In 1952, the society purchased a nature reserve in Geel to grant it international protected status and prevent it from being used for construction projects. The Antwerp Zoo gained further recognition through its specialist breeding programs for endangered species, including the recently discovered okapi.
Beyond its scientific achievements, the zoo has also played a cultural role. It has hosted events ranging from concerts to boxing and wrestling during the 1920 Summer Olympics. After the Second World War, the zoo underwent a major renovation to meet modern standards, with enlarged enclosures and restored historic buildings.
On January 1, 1983, the Antwerp Zoo was designated a national monument, shortly before its 150th anniversary. Today, the zoo continues to grow, attracting tourists and educating future generations about animals and their conservation.
Sources. Story: Source Story: Photos: Source Photo: Donar Reiskoffer, CC BY 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
