Diergaarde Blijdorp places great importance on sustainability. This theme is a key pillar of our Master Plan. Sustainability at Blijdorp focuses on four main areas: waste, construction, energy and food. Overarching all of these is Green Key, which plays an important role in our day to day operations.
Sustainability means using natural resources in a way that ensures enough remains for future generations. Blijdorp actively commits to sustainability because it benefits nature. Since 2016, this commitment has been recognised with the Green Key Gold certification.
Diergaarde Blijdorp holds the Green Key Gold certification. Green Key is an international sustainability label for organisations in the leisure industry that actively work to reduce their environmental impact. The certification is awarded at Bronze, Silver and Gold levels. Blijdorp has achieved the highest rating: Gold. This means we go beyond legal requirements in reducing our impact on the environment.
From 2026 onwards, Green Key will transition to the Duurzaam Gastvrij certification for the zoo. Duurzaam Gastvrij is a Dutch sustainability label for the leisure sector, currently held by 44 certified organisations, with the aim of promoting sustainability and reducing environmental impact within the industry. For Blijdorp as an event location, the Green Key certification will remain applicable.
For many years, Diergaarde Blijdorp has been working towards sustainable operations. Caring for nature is inherently linked to protecting the environment. This is reflected in the way we responsibly manage the waste we produce. Behind the scenes, waste is separated at our environmental park and we operate our own composting machine. Visitors can also contribute by returning cans and plastic bottles during their visit.
When building new enclosures and facilities, sustainability is a key consideration at Blijdorp. We assess not only the use of sustainable materials but also how buildings can be constructed in an environmentally responsible way as a whole. The giraffe enclosure is a strong example of this approach.
At Blijdorp, we aim to use as much renewable energy as possible. Much of our lighting has been replaced with energy efficient LED lighting. We also generate our own energy, including through solar panels installed on the roof of the Oceanium. In addition, the Crocodile River is heated using a wood chip boiler.
Blijdorp strives to offer food in the most sustainable way possible. This applies both to the diet of our animals and to the food options available to visitors at our catering locations. We also carefully consider the packaging materials we use to minimise environmental impact.