Wildlands Emmen

With the construction of WILDLANDS Adventure Zoo Emmen, as the successor to the Noorder Dierenpark, a unique zoo has been created. It has become a green space with an educational character. A zoo that aims to offer visitors a fascinating experience by recreating different ecosystems from around the world. The zoo is divided into three thematic zones: Jungola, Serenga and Nortica. This has been done to allow the animals to be displayed in an environment that is as natural as possible. Solitary trees that fit in with this atmosphere have been chosen to achieve this. The design of the buildings is also part of this. Jungola is an area that mimics the jungle and features lush vegetation, with many large-leaved plants and climbing plants (lianas) for an optimal “jungle atmosphere” experience. Waterfalls and a large covered rainforest hall are also provided. Serenga is designed to resemble the African savannah and is characterised by vast grasslands with scattered trees and shrubs. Visitors can see animals such as lions, giraffes and zebras here. The trees have characteristic shapes with spreading branches and few leaves, adapted to the dry savannah conditions. This atmosphere has been created in Emmen by planting trees with compound leaves, such as acacia-like plants. The Nortica section focuses on the polar regions and is home to sea lions and polar bears, among other animals. In order not to disrupt the illusion of the different worlds within the park, the outside world is not visible from the park. This has been achieved by planting a wide, enclosed green buffer around the park. Visitors experience a completely different world in which all the details are coordinated.

Know-how to grow

The African savannah is a unique ecosystem with its own distinctive atmosphere that plays a crucial role in preserving biodiversity on the continent. In order to create this atmosphere in the “Serenga” section with plants, combined with herbivorous animals, strategic planting was required. The approach to create a green zoo without the plants being eaten has been very successful. This was achieved by using trees that are not attractive as food for the animals in the enclosure. Planting was also carried out strategically, along the edges of the enclosure where animals are less likely to go and the greenery remains out of their reach. By carefully choosing which trees to plant, providing protection and taking the behaviour of the animals into account, a beautiful image has been created without the trees being considered food.