Diergaarde Blijdorp (Rotterdam Zoo)

This 28 hectares geo zoo dates from before the second world war. Diergaarde Blijdorp is one of the oldest zoos in The Netherlands. Originally was the zoo located in the city centre, near Kruiskade, and opened in 1855. The location as nowadays opened in 1940. Architect Sybold van Ravesteyn designed all of the original animal enclosures and the entrance of the zoo (1937). This was the first time ever an architect designed a zoo.

Since 2001, the zoo has been expanded with the Oceanium. The zoo came in the news in 2007 because the Bokito gorilla had escaped from his stay. In 2019 it was the most visited zoo in The Netherlands with 1.6 million visitors.

Since the opening of the large water continent Oceanium, Diergaarde Blijdorp has also been home to countless fish, lobsters, turtles, and birds. This large aquarium is part of the Blijdorp zoo. The aquariums include tropical fish, sharks, rays, turtles, penguins, and jellyfish. There are two parts in the Oceanium where you walk through a tunnel while the sharks, fish, and turtles swim above you. There is a breeding laboratory and also a playground for the children.

The zoo houses a total of 21 unique monuments. With the official app of the zoo, you can walk the 'Monuments and Botanical route'.

Enjoy a day at Diergaarde Blijdorp, one of the oldest zoos in The Netherlands. Wander through all the continents and stand eye to eye with fascinating animals.

In this zoo, the residences are very similar to the original habitats. This is one of the reasons that Diergaarde Blijdorp has been declared to be the best zoo in the Benelux.

The Park

The Rotterdam zoo is divided into two parts. The older section includes residences such as 'Biotopia' (in Dutch: De Rivierahal) and the Monkey House.

In the old part of the zoo, you can see the flamingos, crocodiles, black rhinos and elephants in beautiful residences. The most-visited residence in Blijdorp is the 'Savannah', which is the home of the giraffes.

On the other side of the park, there is a newer section of the zoo. Here, you can see the ice bears, meerkats and many more animals. Next to the main entrance, there is an indoor underwater world called Oceanium.

Another highlight is tropical garden Amazonica, where you can walk by a fish tank with piranhas, and see many butterflies fluttering around.

Practical Information

You can visit Diergaarde Blijdorp throughout the year. Each day, you can watch zookeepers feed the animals while they share interesting facts. Additionally, there is a bird flight demonstration throughout the summer season.

Opening hours

The zoo is open all year round. However, the zoo operates with special opening hours on some public holidays.

Arriving by car

The zoo has two entrances. The 'old' entrance at Van Aerssenlaan and the newer, main entrance is situated at Blijdorplaan, near highway junction Kleinpolderplein. Guests who arrive by car can use the large parking area in front of this entrance.

Public transport

Are you travelling by public transport? There are several bus stops around the zoo. Guests who arrive with line 32 (exit at Blijdorpplein) and 33 (Abraham van Stolkweg) arrive close to the main entrance. Line 40 and 44 stop near the 'old' entrance. The metro station, also named 'Blijdorp', is somewhat further away. From there, it is a 10-15 minutes walk to the zoo.

The Diergaarde Blijdorp App

Once you have arrived, you can get the most out of your visit with the zoo's free app, available on Android and iOS. This app offers an interactive map, fun facts about the parks' animals, and you can read the latest news from Diergaarde Blijdorp.