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Photo: The original uploader was Sherpa at Dutch Wikipedia., CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Second oldest still operating zoo of the Netherlands, being opened in 1855 as a garden for pheasants and waterfowl, leaving first place for Artis in Amsterdam. This garden came into financial trouble in the 1920s as zoos evolved to display animals in more natural-looking habitats rather than simple cages. This new zoo was opened to the public in 1938, but Rotterdam's bombing two years later meant that this new zoo had to be rebuilt already. In the past few decades, Blijdorp has been expanded to feature wolves, Asiatic elephants, Indian rhinoceros, Malayan tapirs. A gorilla-exhibit followed in 1999 and the "Oceanium" followed the year after. Ever since, Blijdorp has slowly renewed and added onto existing exhibits, but is drastically limited in how much it can expand by its central location within Rotterdam.
Diergaarde Blijdorp, officially Rotterdam Zoo, is a zoo located in the northwestern part of Rotterdam. It is one of the oldest zoos in the Netherlands, and has been operated by the Stichting Koninklijke Rotterdamse Diergaarde. Divided into several zoogeographic regions, the 34-hectare (84-acre) Blijdorp Zoo boasts 562 species. It also has a shop, multiple cafes, and an information centre.
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Rotterdam Zoo
Diergaarde Blijdorp, established in 1857, is one of the most popular day trips in the Netherlands. Walk through different parts of the world, seeing interesting animals that feel right at home in an approximation of their natural habitats. An interesting feature of Rotterdam Zoo is the Oceanium. Feast your eyes on your journey through this enchanting world of water, filled with ocean and coastal dwellers, including exotic fish and puffins.
Botanical Garden Kralingen
This small botanical garden is known for its medicinal plants. As it is being brought back to its old glory the visit is recommended if you were to walk by, or for garden buffs.
Overlooks the vast Kralingse Plas with a view over the two monumental windmills on the opposite side of the lake.
Old steam locomotives and trains can be admired at the 'Steam Depot Museum'. Besides a small museum it's very much a workshop too where you can see the actual work of restoration in progress. Check the website for rides, that actually use the normal railway lines.