Fun news from Diergaarde Blijdorp

The two ladies feel completely at home now and get along great with their male companion, Wishu. More about the meeting below!

Cautious meeting

After their arrival, the Danish lionesses were given plenty of time to get used to their new surroundings. Behind the scenes, they were carefully introduced to Wishu, separated by only a wire mesh wall. The three of them looked at and sniffed each other extensively. On March 5, the time had come: the lions were brought together for the first time. The introduction went without a hitch, literally and figuratively. After a short period of reticence and distance, they quickly sought rapprochement, and not much later they relaxedly shared a spot in the sun.

Lion cubs in Blijdorp

With the arrival of the young lionesses, Diergaarde Blijdorp hopes to welcome cubs again in the near future. Since last year, the zoo has played an important role as coordinator of the European population management programme for this seriously endangered species.

The so-called studbook research quickly showed that the genes of Wishu and the two Danish sisters are a perfect match. This is very important for building a healthy reserve population and contributes to the preservation of the Asiatic lion for the future.

Jungle billboard of Diergaarde Blijdorp

Have you seen the jungle billboard of Diergaarde Blijdorp on The Lobby? We have made a 40-metre long facade available to Diergaarde Blijdorp and the special transformation they are undergoing. If you walk along the Kruiskade you will undoubtedly spot an immense billboard on which Diergaarde Blijdorp tells its sustainable message.

The mission of Diergaarde Blijdorp

Diergaarde Blijdorp has a bold mission. A mission that we fully support and believe in.

"By 2050, we want to have played a key role in saving ten endangered animal and plant species. It is an ambitious goal, but with the support of people and organisations in Rotterdam and the Netherlands, we believe it is achievable." - Diergaarde Blijdorp

The Masterplan for 2050 has four important principles:

• Stop the Loss: Preventing further extinction of species and destruction of habitats.
• Reverse the Red: Restoring the population of endangered species and ecosystems.
• Brighten the Blue: Restoring and protecting marine environments.
• Expand the Green: Expanding natural areas and improving connectivity.

Read more about the goal of our Rotterdam zoo and the species they want to save on this page of the Diergaarde Blijdorp website.