ARTIS Zoo

The oldest zoo in the Netherlands was founded in 1838. It belongs to the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums - an organization that brings together the most important zoos from all over Europe. On August 12, 1883, the last specimen of the true kwagga (subspecies of steppe zebra) died at Artis Royal Zoo.

The full name of the garden is Natura Artis Magistra, which means "Nature is a teacher of art and science." Nineteenth-century buildings (a library from 1867 and an aquarium from 1882) give the place a historic character. In the first years of activity, only members who financed it had access to Artis. It was only after twenty years that the garden was publicly available. Initially inhabited by monkeys, deer, parrots and a Surinamese forest cat. At present, Artis is home to nearly 900 animal species.

There is one of the world's largest insectariums in the garden. Visitors will also be delighted with the Butterfly Pavilion and a visit to the planetarium.