Here you will find an overview of frequently asked questions to Diergaarde Blijdorp and the corresponding answers.
Here you will find an overview of frequently asked questions to Diergaarde Blijdorp and the corresponding answers.
We are open every day. During the winter season from 09:00 AM to 5:00 PM and during the summer season until 6:00 PM.
Parking at the Diergaarde Blijdorp parking lot costs €12.50, and it's €8.50 for season ticket holders. Parking tickets can be obtained from the ticket machines at the main entrance.
Weekends and Wednesdays are often busy. The weather and holidays also play a significant role. For an estimate of crowd levels, please check our agenda.
We kindly ask you to smoke as little as possible within the zoo, and if you do smoke, please use the designated "cigarette butt bins" that are distributed throughout the park. Please note: as of January 1, 2024, Diergaarde Blijdorp will be entirely smoke-free
You can find a quiet spot or use the changing room/adapted restroom for visitors with disabilities where you can lock the door. Use the free Blijdorp app for directions to these locations. For heating baby food or bottles, there are microwaves available in our restaurants. In the restaurant De Lepelaar, there are two separate rooms that can also be used as prayer rooms or quiet spaces.
No, (bicycles), roller skates, and scooters are not allowed.
To protect the animals in the zoo, dogs/pets cannot be admitted. The reasons for this include the possibility of our animals reacting with fear when encountering (house) pets, and the desire to prevent the potential spread of diseases to which our animals may not be immune. Assistance dogs are an exception, but there is no kennel available.
You can purchase a subscription on our website every day of the year. After purchase, you will have immediate access to My Subscription. Your subscription passes can be collected at the Visitor Service at the main entrance (Blijdorplaan 8). Your pass will be provided with a photo there. You can then start using your subscription right away.
The subscription is valid for one year from the date of purchase.
You can easily do this online through My Subscription, by emailing abonnement@diergaardeblijdorp.nl, or in person at the ticket counter/Visitor Service of Diergaarde Blijdorp. It is not possible to cancel a subscription over the phone
A subscription with Rotterdampas discount can only be purchased at the ticket counter.
Please note: everyone added to the subscription with a discount must possess a Rotterdampas.
Click here for all information regarding subscriptions (and day passes) with the Rotterdampas.
You can bring a maximum of 4 people at the discounted rate to Blijdorp per day (the subscription holder must be present). During ticket inspection, the subscription must be presented along with these tickets.
No, it is not necessary.
During each subscription period, a maximum of five children aged 3 to 17 years can be added to a subscription. This also applies to foster and stepchildren.
No, that is not possible. Subscriptions are personal and therefore not transferable. The pass displays the photo of the holder along with their name.
You can purchase a subscription with monthly payments through the website. During the purchase, you will pay for the first 3 months. After these 3 months, we will collect the subscription fee monthly.
Companions of individuals who cannot visit the zoo independently may be eligible for a discounted companion subscription. There is a separate arrangement for professional companions from institutions; please inquire at the ticket counter. Individuals with disabilities aged 3 and above may bring a companion at the companion day rate.
It is possible that your cancellation and the invoice mailing crossed paths. If you have already received confirmation from us, you can disregard the invoice. If you haven't received confirmation within 2 weeks of receiving the invoice, please contact us at 0900 1857 (no extra charges).
Diergaarde Blijdorp is accessible for wheelchair users and mobility scooter users. There are also plenty of benches in scenic spots along the route. You can charge your mobility scooter at the exterior wall/entrance of the De Lepelaar restaurant.
For a relaxed exploration with younger children, you can rent strollers at the entrance for €3.50.
Yes, wheelchairs can be reserved by phone at 0900-1857. A cash deposit of €50 is required. Wheelchairs are also disinfected before issuance.
Visitors who wish to bring an assistance dog into the zoo must notify us at least one day in advance by phone. Call 0900 1857 (no extra charges). There are certain conditions for the safety of assistance dogs and our animals. Click here for the conditions >.
Blijdorp offers a special guided tour for visually impaired visitors. This tour aims to make the experience of the wildlife as "visible" as possible, both individually and in small groups, by using the sense of touch.
At Diergaarde Blijdorp, it is possible to rent a handcart. This costs €8 per day and provides space for two children.
On the free Blijdorp app, you can see which catering locations are open today.
The "Zee van ZOOvenirs" and the "VriendenBazaar" are open during regular hours. Also, take a look at our online store. Please note: parking tickets are not available for purchase at the "Zee van ZOOvenirs."
No, the sale of souvenirs is reserved for visitors of the Diergaarde. After a visit to the Diergaarde, you might want to take a nice souvenir home as a memory for yourself or as a gift.
Expedition Blijdorp is an interactive and free experience that makes your visit to the zoo even more fun and educational. Through the Blijdorp app, you can participate in various expeditions throughout the park. You collect badges, complete challenges, and learn about animals and nature in a playful way. The program combines adventure, education, and gaming elements, turning every visit into a personal adventure.
The app is your guide during your visit. You can:
After your visit, you can continue using the app to discover exclusive content, such as DIY projects and nature updates. The app is free to download and works on smartphones and tablets.
No, Expedition Blijdorp is free for everyone visiting the park. Day visitors can enjoy interactive expeditions and collect badges during their visit.
As a member, you get extra benefits, such as:
You can see your current level in Expedition Blijdorp by logging into your account. Your level is determined based on the number of activities you have completed within the program. If you don’t have an account yet, create one now to start at Expedition Blijdorp Level 1!
In Expedition Blijdorp, achieved levels are always retained – your level will never decrease. Make sure you are logged into your account to see the correct level.
Each activity counts as one progress moment. For example, if you complete multiple tasks within a single challenge, it still counts as one activity for your level. Make sure your progress is recorded correctly by logging in and checking your profile.
Check that you are logged into the same Expedition Blijdorp account on both devices. Only then will your progress and level be correctly displayed across all your devices.
To reach a higher level, you must complete a certain number of activities within Expeditie Blijdorp. The number of activities depends on which activities you complete and which level you are in.
Tips to reach the next level:
● Complete the expeditions in the park.
● Complete the homework assignments.
● Read the coolest articles and watch videos in the app.
● View the live webcams.
● Earn badges.
Complete expeditions in the park, earn badges, complete homework assignments, and view articles and videos in the app. All completed activities are added to your progress.
Each completed activity counts as one contribution to your progress. For example, if you complete multiple challenges within one theme, it will still count as one activity.
Your rewards can be used at selected locations in Diergaarde Blijdorp, such as restaurants, souvenir shops, and special events. Rewards are automatically applied when using your Expedition Blijdorp account.
To view the rewards, go to your account. To redeem the reward, scan the QR code at the cash register of the selected location.
At Expeditie Blijdorp there are 4 levels, each with unique rewards:
Explorer:
● Access to all explorer expeditions
● The basic articles in the app
● Access to the basic at home challenges
Enthusiast:
● A free 2nd cup of coffee at De Lepelaar, on your next visit
● 10% discount on merchandise
● Access to all enthusiast expeditions
● Insight into all exclusive interviews
● Access to all at home challenges
● Free access to a live webcam of one animal in the zoo
Expert:
● The second OLA ice cream for free at De Lepelaar, on your next visit
● Free ticket for the Blijdorp college tour (based on availability)
● Free access to all live webcams of the animals at Diergaarde Blijdorp
● Exclusive access to “behind the scenes” content
Protector:
● 15% discount at De Lepelaar on your next visit (except other discounts)
● One-time exclusive access to visit Diergaarde Blijdorp before and after opening hours (only available on specific days)
● Join a zookeeper with one of the five available animals
● Free ticket for the Blijdorp college tour (based on availability)
● Access to all protector expeditions
● Access to exclusive protector content, such as updates and reports on the progress of conservation projects
● Exclusive access to Diergaarde Blijdorp leadership blogs
Expedition Blijdorp rewards participants based on their progress. You level up by completing activities and receive unique benefits at each level. The more you explore and participate, the more rewards you earn!
Some activities, such as free admission passes, promotions, or additional purchases (e.g., souvenirs), do not count towards your progress in Expedition Blijdorp. Only activities explicitly labeled as "Expedition Blijdorp challenges" contribute to your level. The following activities do contribute to your progress:
● Carrying out expeditions in the park
● Completing homework assignments
● Reading articles and watching videos
● Viewing the live webcams
● Earning badges
Questions about the physical pins
Expedition Blijdorp pins are exclusive collectibles available only to participants of the loyalty program. They are designed to reward your visit to Blijdorp and serve as a keepsake of your progress. You can only purchase the pins if you can prove that you have obtained the corresponding badge in the park. And be quick, because the edition of these exclusive pins is limited. A unique collector's item from Blijdorp!
The pins can only be purchased online with a pre-order on our online webshop. You will receive access to the pre-order page once you have achieved the corresponding achievement in the Expeditie Blijdorp app. As soon as the pins are available, you can pick them up at the souvenir shop Zee van ZOOvenirs in Diergaarde Blijdorp.
The price of each pin is €4.50. This amount contributes to species restoration and nature conservation projects.
Each participant can purchase a maximum of four pins. This limit ensures that the pins remain unique and exclusive to Expedition Blijdorp participants.
No, the pins are exclusively available to members of the loyalty program and Expedition participants.