Antwerp Zoo

Antwerp Zoo, founded on 21 July 1843, is Belgium's oldest zoological garden and sits directly adjacent to Antwerp Central Station on Koningin Astridplein. Home to over 5,000 animals, it ranks among the most species-rich zoos in Europe. The zoo's 19th-century historicist architecture is itself a draw — its Egyptian-style temple house, built during the Gründerzeit era, is one of the most distinctive zoo structures on the continent and is listed as a protected monument. The zoo has long been active in international breeding programmes for endangered species including the okapi and bonobo. With around 1.3 million visitors per year, full wheelchair access, and summer opening hours until 19:00, it functions as a major family destination at the heart of the city.