The zoo is managed by the Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp, the same organization that oversees the historic Antwerp Zoo.
Planckendael actively participates in over 40 European Endangered Species Programmes (EEP).
The park grounds contain a protected 18th-century castle known as Castle Planckendael.
The zoo houses a colony of Humboldt penguins, which are frequently monitored for behavioral research.
The park is designed with a specific focus on animal welfare, prioritizing significantly larger enclosures than those found in city-center zoos.
Planckendael was established on the site of a former manor, which explains the mature woodland terrain throughout the zoo.
The zoo has successfully bred several critically endangered species, including the Amur leopard.
The Dijle River flows through the park, providing natural water features and barriers for the animal habitats.
ZOO Planckendael is a spacious zoological park organized into five geographic zones representing Europe, Asia, Africa, America, and Oceania. Unlike traditional urban zoos, the park spans 46 hectares of lush greenery along the Dijle River, providing large, naturalistic enclosures for its inhabitants. The site is part of the Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp and focuses heavily on conservation, research, and breeding programs for endangered species. Visitors traverse the grounds via wooded paths, observing animals such as lions, rhinos, zebras, and various primate species in environments designed to mimic their native habitats. It is located in Muizen, a sub-municipality of Mechelen, occupying the historic grounds of the Planckendael estate. The layout is designed to encourage pedestrian exploration, with significant distances between animal exhibits. The park features an extensive network of playground equipment integrated into the landscape, catering to families.
The raised viewing platforms in the African savanna area overlooking the zebras and rhinos.
Bring comfortable walking shoes, as the park is spread over a very large area with extensive walking paths.
Check the daily feeding schedule upon arrival to see the animals at their most active.
Use the interactive app to navigate the different geographic zones effectively.
Trying to see every single exhibit in under three hours; the park is too large to rush.
Open daily throughout the year, including weekends and public holidays.
Do not feed the animals, do not tap on enclosure glass, and remain on designated paths.
