Een slijmvis in AquaZoo Leeuwarden

De nieuwe onderwaterwerelden zijn open!

AquaZoo heeft twee aquaria in de binnenruimte volledig vernieuwd. Hier maak je kennis met de bijzondere onderwaterwerelden van het Tanganyikameer en de Mangrove. In deze twee ecosystemen staan natuurbehoud, biodiversiteit en educatie centraal.

Plan je bezoek

Twee aquaria, volledig vernieuwd

Nieuw aquarium de Tanganyika in AquaZoo Leeuwarden

Het Tanganyikameer

een ecosysteem vol diversiteit

Het Tanganyikameer is een van de oudste en meest biodiverse meren ter wereld. In dit aquarium is dat samenhangende ecosysteem nagebouwd: van open water tot rotsen en bodem, elke zone heeft zijn eigen bewoners. De soorten zijn zorgvuldig geselecteerd, met aandacht voor kwetsbare dieren. De afgelopen periode zijn ze stap voor stap geïntroduceerd, zodat er een stabiel geheel kon ontstaan. Dankzij de rotsstructuren en schuilplaatsen zie je natuurlijk gedrag terug, zoals territoriumvorming en samenwerking.

Welke soorten kun je hier vinden?

Nieuw aquarium de mangrove in AquaZoo Leeuwarden

De Mangrove

Leven tussen zoet en zout water

In het mangrove-aquarium komen zoet en zout water samen. Je ziet hoe bomen met hun wortels in het water staan en schuilplaatsen vormen voor vissen en andere dieren. De steeds wisselende omstandigheden vragen om bijzondere aanpassingen van de bewoners. Dit soort ecosystemen laten zien hoe belangrijk aanpassingsvermogen is, zeker in een wereld die verandert.

Welke soorten kun je hier vinden?

Gibberosa cichlide in AquaZOo Leeuwarden

Why this renovation?

With this renovation, AquaZoo takes an important step towards a stronger and more cohesive indoor experience, with a focus on nature conservation, biodiversity, and education. The old aquarium no longer met the park's ambitions in terms of animal welfare, appearance, and education. The swimming space and presentation offered too few opportunities for an educational and attractive experience, while major technical maintenance was also needed for the framework and glass panels. Therefore, a completely new aquarium has been chosen, themed around Lake Tanganyika: a unique freshwater system that offers ample opportunities for a naturally designed habitat and an inspiring experience for visitors.

Follow the latest developments

Update Tanganyika aquarium glas plaatsing in AquaZoo Leeuwarden

Progress on the Tanganyika

The Tanganyika aquarium is really starting to take shape. The glass was delivered and expertly installed this week, marking a significant milestone in the construction. The rocky interior has now also been installed and the aquarium has largely been rinsed clean. The Mangrove will be next, bringing that part of the refurbishment another step closer to completion.

Update verbouwing aquarium Mangrove AquaZoo Leeuwarden

The next steps in the aquarium refurbishment

Behind the scenes, we are working hard on the next phase of the refurbishment. Steel structures are currently being installed, which will be finished with a layer of plastic. In the mangrove aquarium, we are working hard to clarify the water, an important process for a healthy ecosystem. In the Tanganyika aquarium, the steel structures are being covered with a layer of concrete to form the rock formations. Step by step, the foundations for a natural habitat for the animals are taking shape.

Voortgang verbouwing aquarium AquaZoo Leeuwarden

More about the mangrove

The aquarium’s refurbishment is in full swing: all the animals have been carefully relocated to other zoos, and work on the new enclosures has begun, with some sections already completed. In the video, we tell you more about the themes of the two future aquariums, explain the new mangrove aquarium with its natural ebb and flow system, and show how the living mangrove plants will soon form an essential part of this unique ecosystem.

Verbouwing aquarium zijl AquaZoo Leeuwarden

Protection and the new basic shapes

The first protective film layer has been applied to one of the new aquariums. This is necessary because the tank will soon be filled with brackish water (water that is exactly between fresh and salt water). The film ensures a safe and durable construction. The next step is the hardscape: these are the first rough basic shapes of the interior. This includes the creation of concrete islands that will later be filled with clay. Here, the mangroves will soon be able to take root and fish and crabs will find space to dig natural burrows.

Verhuizing van de rog in AquaZoo Leeuwarden

Relocation of the ray

After the departure of the pacus, it was the ray's turn this time. This special fish has seamlessly moved to its new home in Nausicaá in France, where it now swims calmly in its new habitat.

Verhuizing van de pacu's in AquaZoo Leeuwarden

Moving Pacu's

Before the renovation could begin, the fish from the aquarium first had to find a new home. Recently, we bid farewell to the pacus. These special fish have moved to Odense Zoo in Denmark. The move went well, and the pacus are now swimming around in their beautiful new habitat. This way, we are making room for the next step in the renewal.