The natural approach does not harm GaiaZOO

Visitors apparently think so too, because the ratings are high and in its eighteen years of existence, the zoo has already received dozens of awards. This year, for the fourth time, GaiaZOO was chosen as the best outing in the Netherlands by nearly one hundred thousand ANWB members.

And now about half a million people come to GaiaZOO every year. Huppertz summarizes the entire park under the title ‘Gesamtkunstwerk’. It is not a question of accommodating a maximum of different animal species, but of offering the animals which are there an optimal living environment. That doesn’t mean we don’t think about people. The park is equipped with the necessary catering facilities, including spacious terraces, for essential breaks. There are also numerous playgrounds for (small) children spread throughout the park. Very pleasant for the supervisors, like the parents and often also the grandparents and other relatives and friends.

Rob Huppertz gives a feather to the hat of fire Marcel Mourmans, who, as majority shareholder, has always believed in the park and has left room for investments to develop and concretize the strategy. “He didn’t need to be spotlighted himself, he was far too modest for that. But we still thought it was necessary to put a commemorative plaque in the park with the saying ‘Maak d ‘r mer get sjoens vaan’. Because that was his motto. He didn’t want a dividend, he cared about the welfare of the animals and certainly also the people who work here. A very social man. has taken over this role of patron so that we can continue on this path.The commune of Kerkrade, a minority shareholder, has complied with this principle.

The zoo’s income is funneled back into its operation, meaning that an average of around one million euros can be invested each year. Sometimes small steps are taken, sometimes big ones. Like the planned major expansion to the side of the former Erenstein outdoor swimming pool, which will not only provide even more space for flora and fauna, but where a new service center and office are currently being built. The current staff accommodation has become a little too sober, the current requirements can be met in the new location. A space will also be set up for veterinarians who will be able to carry out their activity there in professional conditions. As necessary as these utilitarian buildings are, the main focus is of course on making GaiaZOO even more beautiful and interesting by adding many realistic animal enclosures in the future. The former pool valley will thus be transformed into spectacular habitats for new animal species with lots of greenery and aquatic elements.

“With this four-hectare expansion, the park will become even more beautiful, because in total we will have a drop of about 35 meters. That’s a lot and leads to spectacular panoramas, high-altitude walks and fast-flowing waters. We hope to be able to complete the first phase in 2027.”