Planckendael Zoo

Planckendael is a zoo located in Muizen, a village district of Mechelen, Belgium, set on the grounds of the former Planckendael castle estate. It combines the role of a family attraction with a serious commitment to species conservation and nature education, giving it a different character than a typical compact city zoo.

How did this zoo come to be?

The story goes back to 1956, when the Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp (KMDA) purchased the Planckendael estate. The city zoo in Antwerp simply lacked the space needed for large animals such as rhinos, bison, and various antelope species, which require far more room to roam than an urban site could offer. Planckendael was therefore founded as a breeding and overflow site for the Antwerp zoo, and it has since grown into a fully independent park open to visitors in its own right.

Which animals live here?

The spacious grounds made it possible to build enclosures that mimic natural habitats rather than traditional cages. Residents of the park include rhinos, bison, and antelope species, alongside giraffes, elephants, and lemurs. Exhibits are organized by continent — Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Oceania — letting visitors trace the diversity of animal life from across the globe within a single visit.

What else does the park offer?

Beyond the animal enclosures, the grounds include a themed area called "Zoorassic Park," featuring life-sized dinosaur replicas that blend education with entertainment for younger visitors. An extensive network of walking trails winds through the former estate, leading to scenic viewpoints and playgrounds designed around animal shapes. The sheer size of the park means a visit typically takes up most of a day, making it well suited to unhurried, family-oriented outings.

Who is this zoo suited for?

Planckendael is primarily a destination for family trips with children — the layout of trails, themed playgrounds, and attractions like the dinosaur zone are clearly built with younger visitors in mind. At the same time, the zoo operates as an institution focused on the conservation of endangered species and nature education, which makes it a worthwhile stop for adults interested in wildlife conservation as well.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Planckendael located? The zoo is in Muizen, a village district that is part of the city of Mechelen, on the grounds of the former Planckendael castle estate.

When was the zoo founded? The site was purchased in 1956 by the Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp, which needed more space for animals than the city zoo in Antwerp could provide.

Is Planckendael connected to the zoo in Antwerp? Yes, both zoos are run by the same organization, the Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp (KMDA), and Planckendael was originally established as an extension of the Antwerp zoo.

Which animals should visitors look out for first? Notable residents include rhinos, bison, and antelope species, alongside giraffes, elephants, and lemurs housed in naturalistic enclosures.

Is this a good destination for a family day out? Yes, the extensive walking trails, themed playgrounds, and the dinosaur-replica area make the park well suited to visits with children of all ages.