This autumn, ARTIS will start the transformation of the former lion enclosure.
The Kerbert Terrace is getting new life as part of a larger area for endangered species from Madagascar. The iconic national monument is undergoing a careful restoration and will be connected with air tunnels to the opposite Lemur Country. ARTIS is earmarking the new area for smaller animal species that already live in ARTIS Park: the red ruffed lemurs together with another prosimian species, the ring-tailed lemur, and the Madagascar ray tortoise. The new area is a design by Atelierfront.
The Kerbert Terrace is temporarily accessible to visitors to ARTIS Park until the start of the renovation. Visitors walk over the water onto the terrace via a pontoon.
Extraordinary biodiversity
More than 80% of the plant and animal species in Madagascar are found nowhere else in the world. The island on the east coast of Africa separated from the Indian subcontinent about 88 million years ago. This long-term isolation allowed species to develop largely independently of the mainland. The new residence in ARTIS-Park is inspired by the different types of landscapes on the island, from wet tropical forests to arid deserts and mountains. It is precisely this great diversity of landscapes that has contributed to the creation of the many unique species, because each species has adapted to its specific habitat.
Unfortunately, at least 700 species in Madagascar are now threatened with extinction. Special animal species such as the elephant bird, which roamed the island 300 years ago, have even completely disappeared. Visitors to ARTIS Park will learn more about Madagascar’s rich biodiversity and what we can do to protect these vulnerable species through this new accommodation.
National monument vs.
Animal welfare
ARTIS is one of the five oldest zoos in the world and also takes care of the heritage of 26 national monuments and 1 municipal monument, including several animal enclosures. The Kerbert Terrace is named after ARTIS director Coenraad Kerbert, who died in 1927. It was a design by Bert Johan Ouëndag (1861-1932) and his son Willem Bert (1899-1967), also known for buildings such as the Heineken Brewery in Amsterdam and the Bijenkorf in Rotterdam. Although the animal shelter was revolutionary at the time because of its open character with a water barrier instead of bars, these insights have now of course changed radically. The new design brings the Kerbert Terrace up to date, but retains its historical value.
ARTIS, Plantage Kerklaan 38-40