Wildlands Adventure Zoo Emmen

Wildlands Adventure Zoo Emmen is the largest zoo in the northeast of the Netherlands and one of the biggest in the country, located in the town of Emmen in Drenthe. It grew out of an older zoo, which was known for many years as the Noorder Dierenpark, and it was redeveloped in the early 2010s into a park with themed worlds rather than a traditional collection of cages. The change reflects a shift in the way zoos try to present animals, with an emphasis on immersive settings and on telling visitors about the places the animals come from.

The park is divided into three main zones, each representing a different part of the world. Jungola is a huge tropical hall that reproduces a rainforest, Serenga recreates the African savannah and Nortica is devoted to the cold regions of the north. Each area combines enclosures, planting, buildings and rides in a single theme, so that moving from one to the next feels like a journey between continents. The tropical hall is covered, so it is open whatever the weather, and it is the place to head when it rains.

The animals are the main attraction. In the savannah zone, large African mammals can be seen from boardwalks and from vehicles on the safari ride, which carries visitors through the landscape with the animals close at hand. In the cold zone, visitors can see species adapted to northern climates, and in the rainforest, there are primates, birds, reptiles and many other tropical species. Keeper talks and feeding sessions add detail, and information panels discuss threats to wildlife and the conservation work in which zoos take part.

The zoo also offers more active entertainment. There are rides, play areas and a boat trip, so that the day is not just a matter of walking from cage to cage, and children can burn off energy between animal sightings. Restaurants and snack points are spread throughout the park, and many areas are suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs, though a few attractions may have restrictions.

Emmen has a modern centre with shops and cafes, the Rensenpark for walks, and a cinema, so a trip can be extended. Wildlands suits families, groups and animal lovers. It is a big park, so allow a full day, wear comfortable shoes, check opening times and consider buying tickets online in advance.