Het Berenbos, the zoo's bear sanctuary, was founded in 1993 to provide a permanent home for brown bears rescued from circus or entertainment abuse.
The giant pandas Xing Ya and Wu Wen are housed in Pandasia, a complex designed with traditional Chinese architectural elements.
The park is situated on the Grebbeberg, a strategic point of historical significance during the 1940 Battle of the Grebbeberg.
Ouwehands Zoo was the first zoo in the Netherlands to introduce a dedicated bear forest concept.
The park maintains a breeding program for several endangered species, contributing to international studbooks.
The gorillas at the zoo live in a large, modern enclosure designed to replicate their natural social structures.
The park layout takes advantage of the natural slope of the hill, creating terraced viewing opportunities for visitors.
Ouwehands Zoo, located in Rhenen, is internationally recognized for housing the first giant pandas in the Netherlands. The zoo is built on the slopes of the Grebbeberg, a hill formed during the Saalian glacial period, which provides a natural elevation for animal enclosures. Its main attractions include a dedicated bear forest, known as Het Berenbos, where brown bears rescued from abusive situations are rehabilitated. The facility maintains a strong focus on conservation and large-scale mammal habitats, including gorillas and sea lions. It is a family-oriented destination featuring extensive indoor and outdoor play areas for children alongside animal viewing zones. The zoo is situated near the Rhine River, utilizing the natural woodland terrain for its layout.
The elevated viewing deck in Pandasia offers a clear, unobstructed perspective of the giant pandas in their habitat.
Wear sturdy walking shoes to navigate the hilly terrain of the Grebbeberg.
Check the daily presentation schedule upon arrival to catch sea lion and feeding demonstrations.
Plan to arrive early to avoid the primary rush of families, especially on weekends and holidays.
Avoid visiting during Dutch school holidays if you prefer quieter pathways, as the zoo becomes very crowded with families.
Open year-round, including most public holidays, though some indoor play areas may operate on reduced seasonal schedules.
Maintain silence near animal enclosures, do not feed the animals, and remain on designated visitor paths.
