ZooParc Overloon started construction of second phase South America area

ZooParc Overloon has started construction of the second phase of the new expedition section Madidi. In the area of almost 1 hectare, no less than twenty animal species will be on display. Visitors will experience an expedition to South America, where they will discover not only animals but also plants and stories from this continent.

Part of the new area is a 700-square-meter building in which a tropical rainforest can be visited year-round. The tropical climate ensures that both South American animal and plant species feel completely at home here, even in winter. Eleven new animal species will soon live in the park, including spectacled caimans, tamandua (tree anteaters) and golden lion monkeys. A number of animals within ZooParc are also moving to 'Madidi,' including giant anteaters and two-fingered sloths.

Great desireThe new expedition section had long been a big wish of general manager Roel Huibers. "The Amazon rainforest, which covers a large part of South America, is home to 10 percent of the world's plant and animal species. Many special animal species live there that are found nowhere else in the world. Unfortunately, this area is under severe pressure from the destruction of the rainforest, including for the construction of plantations. We hope with Madidi to make visitors more aware of this with innovative and interactive education and a very close encounter with South American nature."

In addition, South America gives ZooParc the opportunity to contribute to the breeding programs of vulnerable or endangered species such as the golden lion monkeys. Huibers: "Madidi will soon have a total of ten species that are part of a European breeding program. This way we can contribute even more to the conservation of endangered species."

NaturalThe first phase of Madidi, an aviary that houses more than 40 Chilean flamingos, as well as puna ibis and tufted grouse, among others, was completed in September 2020.

Huibers says he wants to create an even more beautiful, better and natural environment for South American species with Madidi. "This is great for our guests, but certainly also for our animals. A number of the enclosures of some of the animals in our park were in need of an upgrade and it's nice that they are getting a brand new home that meets all of today's requirements."

ZooParc Overloon is considering adding a third phase to the area at a later date. "The content of that expansion will remain a surprise for a while," Huibers said.