Dierenpark Emmen Zoo
Large zoo in Emmen featuring global species
Dierenpark Emmen (Wildlands) is a major zoo in Drenthe with themed enclosures, indoor exhibits and family activities focusing on animal displays and walk-through exhibits.
Dierenpark Emmen at a Glance#
Address: Rensenweg 56, 7812 HA Emmen, Netherlands
Website: https://www.wildlands.nl/
About Dierenpark Emmen#
Dierenpark Emmen is a zoo in the town of Emmen, province of Drenthe in the Netherlands, operated today as Wildlands Adventure Zoo Emmen after a major redevelopment. The site functions as a regional zoological park focused on immersive habitat zones.
The park is arranged into three primary themed worlds: a tropical rainforest, an African savannah and a cold-climate/marine world, each with purpose-built enclosures and visitor pathways. Guests can expect mixed-species exhibits, indoor and outdoor viewing areas, and themed play and education facilities.
The site operated for decades as Dierenpark Emmen before closing for redevelopment and reopening in 2016 under the Wildlands name and concept. The redevelopment reorganised exhibits around the three-world concept and modernised visitor infrastructure.
Located in Emmen, in the northeast of the Netherlands, the zoo sits close to the A37 motorway and is within walking distance of the town centre and local public transport links.
- Reopening year: Reopened as Wildlands Adventure Zoo Emmen in 2016 following a major redevelopment and rebranding of the former Dierenpark Emmen.
- Park layout: Organised into three themed ‘worlds’ that group animals and habitats by climate and continent, improving immersive exhibits and visitor circulation.
What to See#
- Jungola: A tropical rainforest zone with canopy walkways, waterfalls and primates; houses a range of reptiles, birds and arboreal mammals in a humid indoor environment.
- Serenga: An open savannah-style area with large African mammals, mixed-species enclosures and wide viewing plains designed to recreate an African landscape.
- Nortica: A cold-climate zone focused on northern marine and polar species, with indoor pools and exhibits for species adapted to cooler conditions.
How to Get to Dierenpark Emmen#
Wildlands Emmen is a short drive from Emmen town center in Drenthe; Emmen railway station has local bus connections to the park. The zoo is reached by regional roads and offers car parking.
Tips for Visiting Dierenpark Emmen#
- Arrive early if visiting on weekends - the zoo is popular with families and queues form at certain enclosures.
- Check feeding times and keeper talks on the zoo's daily schedule for interactive experiences.
- Use the zoo's map to plan a route; the park is larger than it first appears and includes themed zones for different continents.
Best Time to Visit Dierenpark Emmen#
Best in spring and summer for full outdoor programing; weekdays are less crowded.
Weather & Climate near Dierenpark Emmen#
Dierenpark Emmen's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 0°C to 22°C. Moderate rainfall (797 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -1° - 4° | -2° | 70 mm | overcast | 93% | 4.2 m/s | 0.0 low | 8.1h |
| February | Poor | -1° - 5° | -2° | 50 mm | overcast | 90% | 4.0 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.7h |
| March | Poor | 1° - 9° | 2° | 66 mm | overcast | 85% | 4.1 m/s | 0.4 low | 11.7h |
| April | Good | 3° - 13° | 6° | 45 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 3.6 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 13.8h |
| May | Good | 7° - 18° | 13° | 55 mm | overcast | 78% | 3.5 m/s | 1.2 high | 15.5h |
| June | Good | 10° - 20° | 15° | 80 mm | overcast | 77% | 3.2 m/s | 1.4 high | 16.5h |
| July | Good | 12° - 22° | 17° | 80 mm | overcast | 78% | 3.1 m/s | 1.3 high | 16.0h |
| August | Very Good | 12° - 22° | 17° | 58 mm | overcast | 79% | 2.8 m/s | 1.1 high | 14.5h |
| September | Good | 9° - 18° | 14° | 70 mm | overcast | 82% | 3.1 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 12.5h |
| October | Acceptable | 6° - 13° | 8° | 73 mm | overcast | 87% | 3.4 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.4h |
| November | Poor | 3° - 8° | 3° | 72 mm | overcast | 92% | 3.6 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.6h |
| December | Poor | 1° - 5° | -1° | 78 mm | overcast | 94% | 4.0 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.5h |