Antwerp Zoo

About this place

Antwerp Zoo is among the world's oldest zoos (1843) and its most beautiful architecturally: set directly beside Central Station in the city's heart, it combines listed historic buildings — the "Egyptian Temple" for the elephants (1856) with its hieroglyphics, the old "Mosque" for the giraffes, and the Art Deco okapi palace — with broad modern enclosures and aquaria all restored over the last decade. About five thousand animals of 950 species: elephants, giraffes and lions, the gorilla and chimpanzee hall, penguin and fish tanks, reptile and butterfly houses, and the okapi garden for which the zoo is famous for its breeding. A compact, elegant urban zoo with shaded paths and restaurants — a half-day for families. Beside the station (you exit it to the zoo's gate) — Antwerp's easiest family destination, and Europe's most central zoo.