Antwerp Zoo is one of the oldest animal parks in the world. Just looking at the entrance gate, it kind of stands out, but I wouldn’t say it screams July 21st, 1843. On the day I visited, I don’t think I was in the mood for a zoo adventure, because I wasn’t too excited about this place… Yes, there are beautiful buildings and gardens, well-maintained considering how long back they go, but the animal aspect of it, just didn’t get me all worked up. A couple of things stood out though. One is the reptile house. First of all, it looks like a Greek temple. The zoo has an Egyptian temple and a Moorish temple too. Second, there is an exhibit inside the reptile house, which you can walk through, like a trail in a jungle. And it freaked me out. There are non-caged animals on both sides of the walkway, and trees with branches stretching over the trail, with animals on them. Another thing I found fascinating, is that you can walk by the zoo out on the city streets of Antwerp, and see the animals right there, next to you. I wonder if anyone escapes from time to time 😀
Website: zooantwerpen.be
Note: Photos are by G.Lanting (#2) and me (#1).
