🌸 From Flower Bulbs to Pubescent Elephants: Spring at Antwerp ZOO!

On a sun-drenched spring day, you know those days when the sky smiles blue and the birds give a concert, I set out from Mechelen towards the heart of Antwerp. Not just to go and spot the animals (although they remain top of course), but to witness an annual tradition: the spring explosion in ZOO Antwerp! 🎉

And whether it was a spectacle! As many as 39,800 bulbs were eager to burst open. And believe me, they did. In all colors, scents and shapes. The flower beds? Like little paintings. 🌷🌸 The gardeners, who already showed their muscles and green fingers in October, deserve serious applause. As a bonus? 5,220 extra pansies that were happily showing off among the bulbs. And what we certainly cannot forget are the wonderfully fragrant blossoms on the park’s imposing trees.

🐠 Diving with Jos the rascal (yes, a fish with a name!)

After all that floral fragrance and color spectacle, it was time for a dip … or almost. In the Reef Aquarium, which with its 300,000 liters of seawater and impressive dimensions (8 meters wide, 4 meters high, 6 meters deep!) is a true underwater palace, we came face to face with the colorful inhabitants of the sea.

During feeding time, the keepers dove into the water – 26 degrees warm, eat your heart out subtropical pool! – to spoil the fish with an extensive menu: mussels, scampi and even algae leaves with a touch of garlic. All to relieve some of the stress on the doctor fish. Wellness underwater, so to speak.

And then there is Jos, a yellow, pushy little fish that was the only one given a pet name. Why? Because apparently he loves a playful bite towards his caretakers. A real little pus, but one you secretly do want to encounter.

Little facts? Always fun:

• Some 1,500 fish, divided into 50 species, swim happily there.
• The corals? Those get a regular polish. (Yes, even corals have their spa days.)
• Everything is grown in separate breeding rooms, under top conditions. The ZOO team really leaves nothing to chance.

🐘 Elephant drama (or: adolescents on four legs)

With the elephants, it was puberty galore. Pushing, pulling, teasing, a live soap you could not look away from. One elephant wasn’t having his day, the other just a little too much energy. Result? A madcap show for the visitors.

And no, this is no exception. The caretakers know their “adolescents” all too well by now. But admit it: that makes it just as much fun.

🌳 Walking in a 19th-century dream garden

What makes ZOO Antwerp so unique is that in between the animal fun, you also simply walk through a beautiful landscape garden from the 19th century. With winding paths, ponds, waterfalls and rock formations, you really feel away from the hustle and bustle of the city. A green oasis of tranquility – and perfect for your Instagram photos 📸. Read more below the photos

To add to that exotic, paradisiacal atmosphere, the flowerbeds are filled with colorful, tropical plants. You’d swear you were on vacation for a moment – and in the heart of Antwerp!

🕕 Extra long enjoyment!

Good news: starting April 5, ZOO Antwerp will be open extra long – until 6 p.m.! Perfect for enjoying your favorite animals, the enchanting garden and spring that is just in full bloom for an extra hour. Even if you’re only there for a few hours, trust me: it’s a topper of stature.

So. when are you planning your spring trip to the ZOO? 🌿🐘🐠 Don’t miss the video soon. Click here and subscribe, it’s free. Don’t forget to click on the ‘clock’, that way you will receive a notification when the video is published!