Sand art among the animals: discover Sand & Zoo in AquaZoo

AquaZoo Leeuwarden will be transformed into a true sand Walhalla this spring and summer. Starting April 18, the park will host Sand & Zoo, an event featuring extraordinary sand sculptures. The meters-high, detailed sculptures depict various animals, such as a giraffe, zebra, lion, shark, dolphin and parrot.

Three locations in the park will feature sculptures inspired by animals on land, in the air and in water. The event is co-sponsored by We Love Sand in collaboration with several sand artists from home and abroad.

"With Sand & Zoo, we bring art and nature together in a special way," said Jeroen Loomeijer, general manager of AquaZoo. "This event offers a fun experience for young and old. It gives an extra dimension to the visit to our park, where you can admire both real animals and animal sculptures."

Activities for children

Children can have fun during Sand & Zoo in the park's giant sandbox, where they can build their own sand sculpture using a handy step-by-step plan. There is also a free scavenger hunt for children of all ages.

AquaZoo also involves elementary schools in Friesland, Groningen and Drenthe in Sand & Zoo. Classes are challenged to build a sand sculpture in the sandbox in their own schoolyard. The class with the most beautiful artwork wins an all-expense paid school trip to AquaZoo. Schools will receive an entry packet in early April and can submit their creations through May 31. All information is in the information packet or can be found at www.aquazoo.nl/zand-zoo.

Sand sculpture designs

In addition, AquaZoo is organizing a design contest where people can design their own sculpture. Starting April 18, anyone can download a design form from the website. Submissions can be made until May 31 at the box office or digitally. On the weekend of June 14 and 15, the winning design will be brought to life in the park, in the presence of the winner, of course. Information and terms of participation can be found on the website.