A Visitor's Introduction to Burgers Zoo

Why Burgers' Zoo is Worth Visiting

Burgers' Zoo stands out for its large-scale, habitat-focused exhibits that replicate entire ecosystems rather than just showcasing individual animals. Visitors are not just viewing animals in enclosures, but rather walking through ecosystems where species coexist much as they would in the wild. This approach allows for a more dynamic and educational experience, where the interactions between species and their environments are emphasised. Additionally, Burgers' Zoo is a leader in conservation efforts, contributing to global wildlife research, breeding programmes, and habitat restoration projects.

The zoo also offers a diverse array of animal species from different continents, providing a comprehensive look at the variety of life on Earth. The habitats are designed to replicate natural environments as closely as possible, from the African savannah to the Amazon rainforest, providing both the animals and visitors with a more authentic experience.

Burgers Zoo Highlights

Burgers' Zoo is divided into several distinct themed areas, each representing a different ecosystem or habitat. Here are some of the most notable highlights:

1. Burgers' Bush: This enormous indoor tropical rainforest is one of the largest in the world and a signature feature of the zoo. Covering 1.5 hectares, it houses more than 150 species of animals and 1,000 species of plants. Visitors walk through a lush, humid environment complete with waterfalls, streams, and towering trees, encountering birds, reptiles, and mammals like sloths and monkeys in a habitat designed to mimic the biodiversity of the South American rainforest.

2. Burgers' Desert: This unique exhibit transports visitors to the deserts of North America, specifically modelled after the Sonoran Desert. Covering 1 hectare, it showcases the specialized flora and fauna that thrive in this arid environment. Cacti, yucca, and other desert plants grow among rock formations, while animals like roadrunners, desert foxes, and peccaries roam the area.

3. Burgers' Ocean: This massive aquarium is one of the most impressive in Europe, simulating various marine ecosystems from coral reefs to deep-sea environments. Visitors can walk through tunnels beneath huge tanks filled with sharks, rays, and schools of colorful fish. The exhibit emphasizes marine conservation and the importance of protecting ocean ecosystems, offering an immersive underwater experience.

4. Burgers' Mangrove: Inspired by the mangroves of Belize, this large indoor area recreates the unique environment of mangrove forests, which are crucial to coastal ecosystems. The mangrove exhibit is home to various species of fish, crabs, butterflies, and birds, including the rare manatee. It highlights the importance of mangrove conservation in protecting coastlines and providing habitat for diverse species.

5. Burgers' Safari: In this open, expansive exhibit, visitors can experience the African savannah from a distance, where giraffes, zebras, rhinos, and antelopes graze together in a vast, naturalistic setting. Elevated walkways and observation points allow for panoramic views of the landscape, creating the feeling of being on a real African safari.

6. Burgers' Rimba: This section of the zoo is dedicated to the wildlife of Southeast Asia, particularly the dense forests of Indonesia and Malaysia. Tigers, gibbons, and various other species native to the region live in large, spacious enclosures designed to resemble their natural habitats. The Rimba emphasizes the importance of rainforest conservation, given the increasing threats to these ecosystems.

7. Burgers' Park: This more traditional part of the zoo features enclosures for various animal species in well-designed settings, including lions, elephants, and chimpanzees. It offers a more conventional zoo experience but remains in line with Burgers' Zoo’s philosophy of creating naturalistic environments for its animals.

Facilities and Visitor Information

Burgers' Zoo is designed to provide a full-day experience for visitors of all ages, with a range of facilities and services to ensure comfort and accessibility.

Dining Options: There are several restaurants and cafés located throughout the zoo, offering a variety of food options, from quick snacks to full meals. The dining areas are situated near major exhibits, providing scenic views of the zoo’s habitats.
  
Playgrounds and Kid-Friendly Areas: Burgers' Zoo is very family-friendly, with several large playgrounds for children. There is also a special petting zoo area where children can interact with domesticated animals like goats and rabbits, making it an engaging experience for younger visitors.

Gift Shops: The zoo features multiple gift shops offering a range of souvenirs, including stuffed animals, books, toys, and eco-friendly products that emphasize wildlife conservation.

Accessibility: The zoo is fully accessible to visitors with disabilities. Paths are designed to accommodate wheelchairs, and there are rest areas and benches throughout the park. Strollers and mobility scooters are available for rent.

Parking and Public Transport: Burgers' Zoo offers ample parking near the entrance, and it is also easily accessible by public transport. Buses run from Arnhem Central Station to the zoo, making it convenient for those without a car.

Practical Information for Visitors

Location: Burgers' Zoo is located on the northern outskirts of Arnhem, in the heart of the Veluwe region, which is known for its natural beauty and national parks.
  
Opening Hours: The zoo is open year-round, though hours vary slightly depending on the season. It typically opens at 9 AM and closes between 5 and 7 PM, depending on the time of year.

Admission Fees: Entrance fees apply for adults, with discounted rates for children, seniors, and families. Tickets can be purchased online in advance, and annual passes are also available for frequent visitors.

Conservation and Education

Burgers' Zoo is at the forefront of wildlife conservation, with a strong commitment to breeding programmes, habitat restoration, and ecological research. The zoo actively participates in international efforts to breed endangered species and protect critical habitats around the world. For instance, it has been involved in projects to conserve mangrove forests, protect coral reefs, and support the survival of species like manatees and rhinoceroses.

Education is a key mission of the zoo, and it provides a range of programs for schools, families, and individuals. Educational signage throughout the zoo offers insights into the animals and their ecosystems, and there are guided tours and workshops that delve deeper into specific topics related to conservation and animal behavior.

Nearby Attractions

Burgers' Zoo is located near several other attractions in the Arnhem area, making it easy to combine a visit with other activities:

Hoge Veluwe National Park: One of the largest national parks in the Netherlands, the Hoge Veluwe is famous for its forests, heathlands, and wildlife, including red deer, wild boar, and various bird species. The park is perfect for hiking, cycling, and wildlife spotting.

Netherlands Open Air Museum: Located just a short distance from the zoo, this museum offers a fascinating look at Dutch history and culture through reconstructed buildings, historical reenactments, and exhibits on traditional Dutch life.

Airborne Museum Hartenstein: This museum, located in nearby Oosterbeek, is dedicated to the Battle of Arnhem during World War II. It provides a moving and informative exploration of one of the key events of the war in the Netherlands.