ZooParc Overloon bouwt groots nieuw expeditiegebied over Tropisch Afrika

The construction of Ngyuwe, ZooParc Overloon's new expedition area, has started. This is the largest construction project in the park's history, which will also celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2025. Ngyuwe will take visitors to the heart of Tropical Africa, which includes Ivory Coast and Congo, and show them both the beauty and threats.

Visitors are expected to be able to explore Ngyuwe at ZooParc from summer 2025. The expedition area will cover two hectares and will be on the site around the enclosure where the camels were until recently. The animals currently residing here will be relocated elsewhere in the park.

General manager Roel Huibers: ‘We want to introduce visitors to the beauty of Tropical Africa. At the same time, we make them aware of the challenges here. This region is characterised by dense rainforests and poor infrastructure. As a result, the area is difficult to access and faces various threats, such as poaching.’

Vulnerable species
Steven van den Heuvel, head of animal care and curator, explains why this theme was specifically chosen. ‘Many endangered animal species live in Tropical Africa. Moreover, due to the growing population, the animals have an ever-shrinking habitat. As a modern zoo and a member of the European Association of Zoos, we think it is important to have a reserve population of vulnerable species. Therefore, most of the animal species entering this new area are also managed within an EAZA (European Association of Zoos and Aquaria) management programme. By choosing this themed area and the animal species, we want to make an active contribution to the protection of these animals.’

New residents
A total of 17 animal species will come to Ngyuwe, including four that can already be seen in the park. These include brush hogs, hammerheads, brazzamer cats and pygmy hippopotami. For the latter species, ZooParc is collaborating with IBREAM, an organisation that contributes to the conservation of endangered African animals. Indeed, through the Wildlife Foundation, the zoo donates money to a research project on pygmy hippopotami in Ivory Coast. Its aim is to protect this species and its habitat.

ZooParc will reveal the other animal species during the construction period via social media and in the park itself by means of an unveiling sign. The animals will live together with several species in different spacious enclosures.

Learning about conservation
Visitors will explore for themselves in Ngyuwe. Among other things, there will be a village where they will learn about bushmeat, or the illegal trade in wild animal meat. Van den Heuvel: ‘We also want to give children and adults tips on how they themselves can contribute to nature conservation. We do that in various ways.’ Visitors will also have the opportunity to visit some of the animals indoors in their indoor enclosures.

Huibers is looking forward to Ngyuwe's arrival. ‘We cannot think of a better way to celebrate our 25th anniversary than with the opening of this fantastic new area.’ During the construction period, the route in the park may be changed at times, but ZooParc does strive to keep all animals visible as much as possible.