{"id":184,"date":"2017-01-02T08:19:56","date_gmt":"2017-01-02T07:19:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bikingamsterdam.com\/en\/blog\/?p=184"},"modified":"2016-12-31T03:23:08","modified_gmt":"2016-12-31T02:23:08","slug":"from-the-african-savannah-to-the-deep-sea-amsterdams-artis-zoo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bikingamsterdam.com\/blog\/from-the-african-savannah-to-the-deep-sea-amsterdams-artis-zoo\/","title":{"rendered":"From the African Savannah to the Deep Sea: Amsterdam’s Artis Zoo"},"content":{"rendered":"

There is little doubt that Amsterdam has something incredible to see, do and experience at just around every corner.\u00a0 From interesting cafes and coffee shops to charming markets and quaint neighbourhoods, Amsterdam has plenty of sights \u2013 including the Artis Zoo in the heart of the city.<\/p>\n

Artis Zoo \u2013 also known as the Natura Artis Magistra (which translates to \u201cNature is the teacher of art and science) \u2013 is the Netherlands\u2019 oldest zoo, and one of Europe\u2019s oldest.\u00a0 This popular attraction is known not just for its animals, but also for its impressive aquarium, planetarium, arboretum and substantial art collection.<\/p>\n

The unique buildings here make this a distinct cultural heritage site from the 19th century.\u00a0 At Artis, you\u2019ll find some 27 monumental structures \u2013 many used to house the animals \u2013 while the zoo itself sits almost squarely within the city, and is about a 15-minute tram ride from Centraal Station.<\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/BNY3ezTg66-\/<\/p>\n

The zoo is impressive in size, and was originally established by the \u201cthree Ws\u201d: J.W.H. Werlemann, Gerard Westerman and J.J. Wijsmuller.\u00a0 Though it was founded by these three as early as 1838, the zoo didn\u2019t officially open to the public until 13 years later in September of 1851.\u00a0 The Artis Zoo began opening year-round in 1920, though September continues to offer discounted admission rates.<\/p>\n

Nowadays, this zoo is home to more than 700 types of animals \u2013 including chimpanzees, elephants, giraffes and zebras \u2013 along with some 200+ species of trees, many of which are nearing extinction.\u00a0 Along with the wildlife and greenery, this attraction also features a botanical garden, library and much, much more.<\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/BOnF4L0Aoxr\/<\/p>\n

Indeed, the architecture, exhibits and wildlife here have not gone unnoticed.\u00a0 In 2015, Artis was voted the best zoo in the Benelux \u2013 which comprises the three neighbouring Western European countries of Belgium, Holland and Luxembourg.\u00a0 Artis is also one of the few European zoos to include historic, centuries-old buildings that include the museum from 1855, the aquarium that dates back to 1882 and the botany- and zoology-focused library from 1867.\u00a0 In fact, the zoo\u2019s library is considered as part of the University of Amsterdam\u2019s special collections.<\/p>\n

With a visit to this natural wildlife park, you\u2019ll have a chance to stroll among the trees, visit various animals and plants, take a trip to the stars and get a sense of Amsterdam\u2019s heritage and history\u2026 and all right in the heart of the city.\u00a0 A visit here will easily transport you to different worlds \u2013 from an African savannah with gazelles and wildebeests to an aquarium surrounded by coral reefs and live sharks.\u00a0 You\u2019ll also get a lesson in geography, learning about what kinds of creatures live in the local canals.<\/p>\n

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A post shared by Vassiliki Koukou \ud83d\udc7e\ud83c\udf8f\ud83e\udde9\ud83c\udf00 (@vassilikik)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n