Rotterdam Zoo — Attraction in Rotterdam

Diergaarde Blijdorp offers a truly remarkable experience for animal lovers and families alike, standing out as an exceptionally clean zoo with a palpable commitment to its inhabitants. From the moment we entered, the well-kept paths and immaculate grounds made for a pleasant day of exploration.

Excellent Habitats and Animal Health The overall impression of animal care was overwhelmingly positive. It was clear that the animals are well cared for, appearing healthy, active, and thriving in their environments. The zoo boasts various animals from different continents, ensuring that every corner of the park provides a new discovery. What impressed me most was the thoughtful design of the enclosures; each animal enjoys quite a spacious area with a good environment that seems tailored to its natural needs. This dedication to natural habitats, rather than small cages, is what sets Blijdorp apart. A personal highlight was watching the elephants; the herd was incredibly active, with one elephant being particularly friendly and playful it was a joyous sight to see them interacting so freely and happily.

Room for Improvement While the main zoo experience was superb, there were a couple of minor disappointments worth noting. Sadly, the indoor kid area had a noticeable smell of urine. Given the high standards everywhere else in the park, this was quite a letdown and made the time spent there less enjoyable for the adults. It’s definitely an area that needs more frequent attention from the cleaning crew. The second issue was the technical failure of a key souvenir opportunity. We were disappointed to find that the photo machine didn't really work when we tried to use it. We had really hoped to use it as a souvenir of our visit that day, so having it out of order was a small but significant frustration at the end of a long day. Despite these minor organizational hiccups, the sheer quality of the animal habitats and the overall beautiful, clean presentation of the zoo ensures Blijdorp remains a top tier attraction. The focus on animal welfare is undeniable, making it a highly recommended...

Do not waste your money on going (go to Burger’s Zoo in Arnhem instead). This zoo had awful welfare for a lot of the animals. The polar bears had no ice or caves to sleep in which will make them anxious and feel unsafe. They also had zoochosis/stereotypic behaviour and was flipping itself in the water constantly which is never done in the wild. The prairie dogs could very easily get down from their enclosure into the human (standing) area, which means they could be harmful and spread diseases. There is even a sign that admits this. The red pandas could also easily get out of their enclosures. The elephants and rhinos had no where enough space with obstacles in the way which they struggle to get around. The natural environment wasn’t even close to the wild either. Almost none of the enclosures were the right size which can cause a lot of welfare issues and possibly even physical health issues. There were a lot of predator-prey enclosures next to each other with almost no protection, one example is the hyenas enclosure was next to the antelope and giraffes enclosure with a metal fence that can be seen through inbetween. This causes stress to all the animals involved as the hyenas cannot reach the antelopes and the antelopes are under a constant threat. Not to mention the two train tracks going through the middle of the park and the multiple main roads leading to loud noises for the animals. There is an Indian part of the zoo, which is just racist (with the designs etc) as well as a Chinese part because of the animals in it. It is not worth spending your money here in the awful treatment of these animals. I recommend visiting Burger’s Zoo in Arnhem or Apenheul Primate Park in Apeldoorn if...

Rotterdam Zoo: A Great Day Out, But Timing is Key

Rotterdam Zoo is undoubtedly a fantastic place to spend a day, but to make the most of your visit, consider these tips.

Weekdays tend to be less crowded, making it a more relaxed experience. Many animals seek shelter from the heat on a peak summer day, making it challenging to spot them. We've found that temperatures between 15-22 degrees Celsius offer the best chance to see a variety of animals as they are more active. So pick your visiting day accordingly. On an average with small kids in family you can consider around 6 hours to be spend at the zoo.

While daytime visits are ideal for observing a wide range of animals, the zoo also provides evening tickets during select summer days, from 15:00 - 21:00 This is an excellent chance to witness the nocturnal side of wildlife, particularly elusive creatures like tigers and leopards.

While the zoo's digital resources have improved over time, we highly recommend downloading the Blijdorp app. The map is invaluable for navigating the zoo's expansive grounds. It's a great tool for planning your route and maximizing your time.

Ample parking is available on-site, making it convenient for visitors. The zoo also caters to younger guests with Biotopia, an indoor play area perfect for burning off energy.

To stay hydrated, visitors can take advantage of the drinking water stations provided by a water-saving initiative. The zoo features several restaurants offering a decent selection of food, though the quality is average.

Overall, Rotterdam Zoo is a worthwhile destination, but remember to time your visit wisely for the best...