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The protection of Dutch nature
When you walk in AquaZoo and look around carefully you will see many native animal and plant species that do not belong to the collection, but do have a place in our park. These species are adapted to our environment, our climate and other animals and plants native to the Netherlands. Consider, for example, the cycle of insects, which is precisely tailored to the period when the plants are in bloom.
In our park you will learn all about animal species from all over the world, but the stories of native species are just as important. These animals play an important role in Frisian biodiversity. Also, many native species are just as endangered as some of the animal species that live in AquaZoo. This is why we actively work to protect and preserve these species.
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The release of hedgehogs
A total of 26 hedgehogs have been released into AquaZoo. These animals were brought in weak or injured to the wildlife sanctuary De Fûgelhelling by animal ambulance de Wissel. After the hedgehogs have been cared for and restored, they are released back into the wild. AquaZoo offers the hedgehogs a safe environment where they learn to take care of themselves again. If that fails, we can intervene.
The cooperation goes beyond the release of the hedgehogs. For example, we have contributed to the construction of new enclosures at the shelter through the Wildlife Foundation, and swans have also previously been released at AquaZoo by the wildlife refuge.
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Native tree species
Many native tree species such as the willow, black alder, hazel and birch grow in AquaZoo. They are not only beautiful, but play an essential role in nature. The cycle of various insects and birds is tuned to the flowering period of these trees. They also each have a different flowering period, which allows them to alternate and provide a staggered food supply. The insects that descend on these provide pollination to maintain other flowers and plants. An added benefit is that the branches and leaves are favorites of browsers in AquaZoo! Browsers are herbivores that also like to eat branches, such as Padre David deer, kangaroos, wallabys, vicuñas, South American tapirs and North American tree stalked pigs. You'll also find branches in the Canadian beavers' enclosure.
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Raising sea trout
In 2024, AquaZoo started raising young sea trout for the Fish for Connection project. The sea trout is a species of fish that lives in both fresh and salt water. They swim from the sea to rivers and streams to lay eggs. These routes are increasingly blocked by dikes and locks, reducing the chances of reproduction. Fish for Connection both connects the sea to rivers and releases sea trout. In the Wadden area at AquaZoo, four water tanks have been placed in which the fish swim, sorted by size. They are cared for here for a year, after which they are released into the wild.
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Giving nature some space
Weeds are often seen as negative, but at AquaZoo we welcome them! This is because native plants attract insects, which in turn attract birds. The flowers and herbs come up on their own. We do not sow them ourselves so we can be sure that they are plants that really fit into our environment. We leave the flowering herbs in places where this adds value for animals and nature. We also don't mow until June, giving insects plenty of room to develop in the spring.
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Protecting the black bee
The black bee is the only native honey bee. Because beekeepers brought other bee species from abroad, the black bee is almost completely extinct in the Netherlands. The other species are a major competitor when it comes to food. The black bee is hugely important. When searching for food, they take pollen from one flower to another with which they pollinate many plants. At AquaZoo, we give a place to black bees, both in a hive and in the insect garden. Together with Stichting Wildlife and Zwartebij.org, we are contributing to the return of the black bee to the Netherlands.
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The wadden region in AquaZoo
In 2024, the Wadden area has undergone a metamorphosis. Visitors will learn all about the aquatic animals of the Wadden Sea here. Just a stone's throw from AquaZoo you will find this UNESCO World Heritage Site: the Wadden Sea. We would like to share the story of this special area. Layer by layer you will discover everything about the interesting biodiversity of this large area. All subjects are covered: from shorebirds to mussels.
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