Apenheul Primate Park

Apenheul Primate Park is a primate-focused zoo located near Apeldoorn in the province of Gelderland in the Netherlands, established in 1971. It is best known for its approach of allowing many monkey species to roam free in designated park areas.

The park contains walk-through sections where small monkeys can move among visitors, indoor primate houses for species requiring controlled climates and educational exhibits on primate conservation. Pathways and viewing areas are arranged to reduce barriers between people and many primates while maintaining animal welfare and safety.

Apenheul was founded in 1971 by Wim Mager with an emphasis on observing natural primate behaviour and on species conservation. Since opening it has expanded its collection and visitor facilities while maintaining the free-roaming concept.

The park sits on the outskirts of Apeldoorn in eastern Netherlands’ Gelderland province, within easy driving distance of the town and regional transport links.

• Free-roaming primates: The park pioneered allowing many primate species to move freely among visitors, a model that remains its hallmark and affects how enclosures and paths are arranged.
• Founding and focus: Founded in 1971 by animal caretaker Wim Mager, the park focuses on primate behaviour and conservation rather than traditional closed cages.

What to See #

• Free-roaming primate areas: A large walk-through area where several species of small monkeys are allowed to roam freely among visitors, a defining feature since the park's opening.
• Indoor primate houses: Indoor and climate-controlled enclosures that house species not suited to open visitor areas, including several lemur and monkey species.
• Visitor facilities: Visitor facilities including paths, picnic areas and educational exhibits focused on primate behaviour and conservation.