Almost there! From October 5, the lions can be seen in their new enclosure at ARTIS.
The new enclosure offers the lions a natural and enriching environment. It is a hilly landscape, inspired by the African savannah in different seasons. Landscape architect Thijs de Zeeuw designed it, together with architect Alexander Lefebvre. Under the leadership of Tjerk ter Meulen, Animal & Plant manager at ARTIS, and together with a large team consisting of animal caretakers, veterinarians, construction workers and gardeners, they created this new environment.
10x larger and designed from the animal
Tjerk: ‘In contrast to the monumental Kerbert Terrace, we have many more options at this location to offer the lions a natural and enriching environment. The indoor and outdoor accommodation is ten times larger in area than the old accommodation, which is also what most people look at first.
But even more important is the design with which we stimulate and enrich the natural behavior of the animal. The basis for good animal welfare is that the animal has as much choice as possible regarding whether or not to do something. The lions themselves look for their favorite places and mark out their territory. For example, the lions are physically more challenged by climbing structures such as the tree trunk in the middle of the enclosure, the path to the top and the other trees to climb. Choices in visible or sheltered, sun or shade, in the wind or lee, in the sand or grass, high or low, together or apart; the animals themselves create their favorite places’.
For the visitor
The visitor is challenged to look for the lions in the new environment and can come face to face with the iconic animal at various viewpoints. With stories surrounding the enclosure, visitors, from young to old, also discover everything about the lion as a key species in its ecosystem, its vulnerable situation in the wild and its symbolic status as a centuries-old source of stories in different cultures.
Here you will find much more information about the new lion enclosure.
ARTIS, Plantage Kerklaan 38-40