Artis Royal Zoo

ARTIS Royal Zoo is a zoo and botanical garden in Amsterdam's heart. It is a sanctuary for 200 varieties of trees and around 700 animal species, of which many are on the verge of extinction. Artis is the oldest zoo in the Netherlands and the fifth oldest zoo in the world.

Notably, Artis also comprises an aquarium, an arboretum, a planetarium, Micropia, and the Groote Museum. The aquarium building of this zoo exhibits part of its art collection. Artis embraces 27 listed buildings, bridges, and ponds with historical values, many of which are still used as a shelter for animals. 


ARTIS Zoo was inaugurated 185 years ago in 1838 by J.W.H. Werlemann, Gerard Westerman, and J.J. Wijsmuller (aka the three Ws). Initially, the zoo was open only to members. Today, this zoological garden is like a retreat, right in the middle of a fast-paced city, easily accessible by public transport. Also, Artis is a member of the NVD (Dutch Zoo Federation), the European Association of Zoos & Aquaria (EAZA), the World Association of Zoos & Aquariums (WAZA), and the Nederlandse Vereniging van Botanische Tuinen (NVBT).