ZOO Planckendael

Planckendael is located in a quiet and green environment in Mechelen. The nearby highway ensures easy accessibility, a mere 25 minute drive from Antwerp or a 10 minute drive from Brussels.

An exotic assortment of animals can be found. Amongst many others there are Indian lions, giant red kangeroos from Australia and elephants and giraffes from the African Savannah. Animals are categorised by the continent on which they originate. The featured continents are South America, Oceania, Africa, Asia and Europe.

For a hands-on experience a mini-farm is also on location. Children are faced nose-to-nose with animals such as the alpaca wouter. In this enclosure animals are docile and children can pet them.

Wherever you go in Planckendael, there is always a playground nearby for a bit of fun!

Africa: There is a playground full of elephants next to the Ankole-Watusi cattle enclosure. Climb through their legs and slide down again through the long trunk. Venture afterwards on the raft towards bonobo island, and hop into the canoe, on to the African village!
America: Deep in the continent of America, you’ll end up in the Wild West. Climb into the petting zoo through the tower or have fun in the playground with a covered wagon.
Asia: Near “Toepaja” restaurant you’ll find a playground ‘for advanced level’ with a jumble of wooden beams and nets. Need even more adventure? In the Linden woods in the middle of Asia, climb up to a height of 14 metres to follow the tree top trail!
Europe: While your parents have a break on a bench with a drink, you can romp to your heart’s content in the stork playground with a view on – you guessed it – the storks.
Oceania: The floating play harbour and the aboriginal rope trail, rotating trunks and loops in Oceania are ideal to test that you can keep your balance. Or not, obviously…