The Netherlands, RotterdamMarch 12, 2026, by Florine Klein Ikkink

Fun and sustainable: a day at Blijdorp Zoo

Conscious, Outdoor, Dieren, Out and about, Kids

The Netherlands, Rotterdam, March 12, 2026, by Florine Klein Ikkink

Fun and sustainable: a day at Blijdorp Zoo

A day at the zoo is always fun. Bring all your cousins, brothers, and sisters, and you've got the perfect family day. The Netherlands has several beautiful zoos, but which one should you go to? The correct answer: Diergaarde Blijdorp In Rotterdam! Rotterdam Zoo is leading the way, especially in the world of zoos. Why? Well, because Rotterdam Zoo, besides being a fun day out, is also incredibly active in species conservation and wildlife restoration. Sounds great, right?

Here you can read all about what there is to do at Diergaarde Blijdorp and if you want to spend a night there, we have also found a nice hotel and place to eat for you!

They do it well

Nowadays more and more people (at least we are) are concerned with living more sustainably. Many eat less meat, buy more second-hand and take shorter showers (even though showering is SO nice when it's so cold outside). Diergaarde Blijdorp finds sustainability just as important – or even more important! Why? Because both our planet and all animals are having a hard time, for too many reasons to mention. That is why Blijdorp has made the transition from zoo to nature restoration organization and does everything it can to make a day at the zoo as sustainable as possible. And we are happy to contribute to that!

Diergaarde Blijdorp is mainly committed to saving endangered species and restoring ecosystems, and works on various international projects for this purpose. They have even achieved the highest possible quality mark in the field of sustainability in the tourism sector. Yes, then you know that they really mean business.

Feast your eyes on this

Besides being so innovative, Diergaarde Blijdorp is also a fantastic zoo with plenty to see and do. You'll hop from continent to continent in this zoo, seeing all sorts of animals and plants. Did you know the park is also a botanical garden?

You'll start your day with all the beauty of the underwater world, where sea turtles and sharks swim above your head (don't worry, you're safely in an underwater tunnel!). Then you'll take a walk through the rainforest, and on the savannas, you'll come face to face with giraffes and zebras. What makes Diergaarde Blijdorp even more special is that you can also admire animals that are already (or nearly) extinct in the wild, such as the Annam water turtle. They're considered "the forgotten animals," so to speak, but at Diergaarde Blijdorp, they're anything but forgotten!

Want to be well prepared? Listen before your visit the Blijdorp podcast Roaring But.

Only good initiatives

You can, of course, also do plenty to make your visit to Diergaarde Blijdorp as sustainable as possible. For example, you can bring your own bottle of water (or soda) to reduce plastic waste. Don't have a bottle? No worries! In Diergaarde Blijdorp all hot and cold drinks are served at the to go Served in special deposit cups at locations. Once you're finished with your drink, you can return it to the vending machines located throughout the park. In the Oceanium and Riviera Hall, you'll find Dopper taps where you can refill your water bottle. Nicely organized, right?

Blijdorp Expedition: Make your day out in Blijdorp even more exciting with Blijdorp Expedition. There are various routes through the park where you can win great rewards (see here for more information).

Adoption and donation

Can't get enough of animals? Then you can adopt one and watch it live from home. Very interesting! You'll receive monthly updates from the animal caretakers. Here you will find all the information

You also don't want to miss: the various packages that make your visit to Blijdorp even better. For example, there are delicious breakfasts with holidays (such as Mother's Day and Father's Day). But also very great lectures from Blijdorp experts.This way you learn even more about the world.

Sustainable dining

After such a long day in the beautiful Diergaarde Blijdorp you must have gotten hungry. Diergaarde Blijdorp closes at 18:00, so hoppa, on to a nice restaurant to end your day. To end the day sustainably, is Restaurant Rotonde a good choice. At Rotonde they focus on plant-based cooking with local and seasonal ingredients. Everything on the menu is vegetarian or vegan, but this does not mean less choice on the menu, on the contrary! Restaurant Rotonde always has a menu full of special combinations with ingredients that nature has to offer at that moment. The restaurant is easily accessible by public transport from Diergaarde Blijdorp.

Are you looking for something a little more convenient and a quick bite? Then the Food halls in Rotterdam after a day at the zoo also a very good option. Here the whole group has plenty of choice, and everyone can eat exactly what he or she wants. The interior and atmosphere are also top, so we only see advantages!

Overnight stay in Rotterdam

Are you coming from far away or do you just want to hang around after a day at Diergaarde Blijdorp? Then of course you are looking for a nice hotel in Rotterdam. Don't worry, we have one for you: TheUsual on Westblaak. This design hotel is built entirely sustainably—yes, every part. And every detail looks beautiful, too, because yes, it is a design hotel. Think earth tones and a touch of pink. Because yes, pretty pink is not ugly.

Don't feel like going out for dinner after such a day? No need! The Usual serves a daily dish at the U-Bar for €17,50. Tasty and easy. Nah, if all this combined doesn't make for a perfect day at Diergaarde Blijdorp, then we don't know what does

The Usual Rotterdam (& Brussels)

Looking for more restaurants, hotels or hotspots in Rotterdam? We have an e-book for that:
the Rotterdam mini guide

Fun and sustainable: a day at Blijdorp Zoo