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Pairi Daiza is a large and wonderful animal theme park with 4,000 animals including elephants in Brugelette, Belgium. (U.S. Army photo by Jessica Ryan)
Wildlife parks and aquariums in Belgium
CHIÈVRES, Belgium -- Summer is here! It is a time bursting with possibilities around Belgium, especially for animal and nature lovers. Here is a list of the 10 wildlife parks and aquariums you do not want miss in Belgium:
Pairi Daiza in Brugelette
A large and wonderful animal theme park with 4,000 animals: giant pandas, white tigers and more. Visitors can discover the Algoa Bay, the Oasis, the Parrot Lane or even the World of Cold. Don’t miss the baby monkey and the baby panda!
Where: Domaine de Cambron
When: Open until Nov. 11 for the season.
Planckendael in Mechelen
Planckendael is over 100 acres of exciting and adventurous animalpark located on the ground of Planckendael castle in the village district of Muizen, in Mechelen, Belgium. Visitors will meet raccoons, zebras, otters, rhinos, koalas, giraffes and many other animals.
Where: Leuvensesteenweg, 582
When: Open all year
Antwerp Zoo
This zoo is located in the center of Antwerp, Belgium, just next to the Antwerpen-Centraal railway station. It is the oldest animal park in the country and one of the oldest in the world. The zoo houses over 7,000 animals of about 950 species.
Where: Koningin Astridplein, 20-26
When: Open all year
De Zonnegloed Sanctuary in Oostvleteren
De Zonnegloed is a wild animal sanctuary founded in April 2011. It houses over 350 animals, including 100 different species, and provide lifetime care to all animals that come to them. Most of the animals brought to the sanctuary have been rescued from appalling captive conditions elsewhere – be it in private ownership or from zoos and circuses. De Zonnegloed focuses its efforts on educational programs with a strong message of animal welfare and protection.
Where: Kasteelweg, 22
When: Open all year.
Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays from Sept. 2 to Oct. 22.
Closed on weekdays in November and December.
Bellewaerde in Ypres
Bellewaerde is a theme park in the West-Flemish countryside in Ypres. It is the oldest operating theme park in Belgium. The park is famous for its beautiful gardens, marvelous landscaping, its attractions and its attention to themes.
Where: Meenseweg, 497
When: Open daily in August.
Closed on weekdays in October except during the last week. Closed Nov. 3 for the season.
Serpentarium in Blankenberge
You have always dreamed of stroking a snake? It’s possible at the serpentarium of Blankenberge.
Where: Zeedijk, 146
When: Open daily. Check the website for exact times.
Aquarium and Zoological Museum in Liège
Dive into the aquarium without getting your feet wet and discover the 20,000 creatures, representing the animal kingdom, waiting for visitors in the museum!
Where: Quai Édouard Van Beneden, 22, B-4020
When: Open daily. Check the website for the full schedule.
La Grange aux Papillons (“The Butterfly Barn”) in Virelles (Chimay)
Enter in the magical world of butterflies. Marvel at a luxurious scenery of multicolored plants and flowers where the most shimmering species of tropical butterflies fly freely.
Where: Rue de l’Estrée, 4a
When: Open now until Oct. 1Closed Mondays in September. Check the website for the full schedule.
Grottes de Han (Domain of Caves) in Han-Sur-Lesse
Visit the domain of the caves and experience a magical encounter with the sheer majesty of nature. In the wildlife park, visitors walk or take a safari train to venture into this 600-acre haven of peace. Experience a trip through time by discovering many animals that live or used to live in our region. All these animals live in their natural environment. Visitors can even spend a night in the trees in a Tree Tent.
Where: Rue Joseph Lamotte 2, 5580
When: Open daily now to October. Open on weekends and holidays in November. Open select days in December. Check the website for the full schedule.
Sea Life in Blankenberge
The aquarium features more than 5,000 sea creatures indoors and outdoors and a playground. Visitors can even take pictures with the seals, the sea lions or on a tropical beach surrounded by penguins.
Where: Koning Albert-I-Laan, 116
When: Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Story by USAG Benelux Public Affairs