Tweets #artis

 

The oldest and most famous zoo in the Netherlands is without a doubt the Artis in Amsterdam. Officially the zoo is called ‘Natura Artis Magistra’.

 

In the early years Artis was visited almost exclusively by members. A short while later the zoo was also opened to visitors. Some of the first animals were a few monkeys and parrots. Just as important was the ‘naturalia’ collection. Skeletons, stuffed animals, fossils and rocks all formed a part of the large collection. Over the years, this was all relocated to the Zoological Museum and the nearby Tropen Museum.

 

Today the zoo is known for the many various animal species. Different categories are for example the monkey rock, the reptile house and the African savannah. The total collection currently contains approximately 900 various animal species. At the end of the last century Artis intentionally reduced the number of animal species so that the animals would have more room to live in. In exchange for the departure of for example some penguin types, Siberian tigers and black panthers, they acquired many smaller animal species such as the golden marmoset and the vulture.

 

In 1988 the Planetarium was opened with the 150 year birthday. This building can be recognised from a distance by the large dome on the roof. Inside the dome one can watch special movies indicating the projection of the astronomical objects.

 

Because of the zoo’s location in the city centre, Artis is very easily accessible from the hotel and other tourist sites in Amsterdam.