Located in Muizen near Mechelen, Planckendael Zoo is a large animal park divided into continents, perfect for a family day out. With African herbivores, Asian elephants, kangaroos, immersive zones, and playgrounds, the park offers a true world tour in the heart of nature.
Galerie photos
Door Michiel Dumon - Eigen werk, CC BY-SA 3.0, Koppeling
Description
Located in Meise, just minutes from Brussels and Mechelen, Planckendael Zoo is one of Belgium’s most popular animal parks. Known for its vast open spaces, immersive environments, and lush green setting, it offers a true animal world tour through five recreated continents. Ideal for a family day out, the park combines discovery, education, and a strong commitment to animal welfare.
History
Planckendael was created in the 1980s as an extension of Antwerp Zoo, offering animals larger and more natural environments. Over the decades, the site was completely redesigned to become a modern themed park, structured into geographical zones and dedicated to the conservation of endangered species.
The zoo actively participates in numerous international breeding programs, notably for rhinos, giraffes, lions, red pandas, and gibbon monkeys. Today, it is recognized as a major player in animal biodiversity preservation in Europe.
The Park’s Different Zones
Planckendael is organized into five continents, each offering full immersion into the ecosystems of the world.
- Europe: storks, wolves, farm animals, playgrounds
- Asia: elephants, tapirs, gibbons, tropical forest species
- Africa: giraffes, zebras, lions, rhinos, ostriches
- Oceania: kangaroos, wallabies, and species typical of the region
- America: large herbivores, rare birds, prairie animals
Each zone includes observation points, walkways, natural paths, and educational spaces, allowing visitors to observe animals in spacious and varied enclosures.
Attractions and Experiences
The zoo offers numerous immersive and family-friendly activities:
- a large outdoor playground
- suspended walkways above the animals
- mini-safaris and elevated viewpoints
- an interactive children’s trail
- educational activities and information sessions
Planckendael is also famous for its colony of storks, which return every spring to nest in the park’s trees and towers.
On-Site Services
The park provides numerous facilities for all visitors:
- restaurants and snack bars
- picnic areas
- children’s play zones
- internal shuttles depending on the season
- stroller and wagon rentals
- a dedicated animal-themed gift shop
Access
Planckendael Zoo is located in Muizen, near Mechelen. It is accessible by car, train (Muizen or Mechelen stations), bus, and bicycle thanks to nearby cycling routes.
A paid parking area is available at the entrance. All paths are stroller-friendly and suitable for visitors with reduced mobility.
Billets & réservation
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