The park maintains a climate-controlled indoor rainforest that spans hundreds of square meters.
It is home to Norway's largest collection of reptiles.
The facility functions as a rescue center for various exotic animals that cannot be returned to the wild.
The zoo is situated directly off the E18 highway, making it a major stop for travelers between Oslo and Kristiansand.
Interactive feeding sessions are conducted regularly to encourage natural behavior among the species.
Den Lille Dyrehage, or The Small Zoo, is a family-operated park in Brokelandsheia, Norway, known for housing the country's largest indoor rainforest. The facility emphasizes close-up encounters with exotic animals and educational experiences. It features a wide variety of species, including reptiles, monkeys, and tropical birds, kept in climate-controlled environments. The zoo focuses on animal welfare and serves as an important site for zoological research and conservation outreach. Visitors can traverse specialized zones designed to simulate diverse global habitats. It is intentionally designed as a boutique attraction that offers more intimate interactions than large-scale urban zoos. The site includes both outdoor enclosures for seasonal viewing and extensive indoor habitats suitable for year-round operation.
Inside the main tropical rainforest hall, particularly near the waterfall feature and the monkey habitat.
Wear layers, as the indoor rainforest has high humidity and tropical temperatures compared to the outdoor Norwegian climate.
Check the daily program at the entrance for feeding schedules to ensure you see the animals at their most active.
Bring a camera with a macro lens, as many of the smaller reptiles and insects are displayed behind glass at eye level.
Attempting to feed the animals personal food or snacks, as this disrupts their strictly managed dietary requirements.
Open year-round, but outdoor exhibits are restricted to warmer seasons.
Do not touch the animals unless specifically permitted by staff, and maintain a quiet voice to avoid startling the species in the rainforest enclosure.
