DierenPark Amersfoort

What DierenPark Amersfoort does

DierenPark Amersfoort is a privately held, family-owned zoo founded on May 22, 1948, and located at Barchman Wuytierslaan 224 in Amersfoort, Netherlands. The park is open 365 days a year, housing more than 1,500 animals across approximately 120 species, and is publicly positioned as "dé dierentuin voor kinderen" (the zoo for children) and voted "leukste uitje van Nederland" (most fun day out in the Netherlands). Operations span themed areas (Dinobos, Chimpanseevallei, Rijk der Reuzen, Stad der Oudheid, De Nacht, Woud, Snavelrijk, Prairie), adventure attractions (Klim Alles-route climbing path, Expeditie-rivier bicycle boats), seasonal events (Waterpret, ZOOmer Festival, Warme Winteravonden, DinoAdventures, Dierenhelden Week), and educational programs (keeper meet-and-greets, owl pellet dissections, school visits, downloadable presentations).

The business operates a direct-to-consumer, multi-stream revenue model. Streams include one-time day tickets (€25.50 child/€29.50 adult online, with higher gate prices), recurring annual subscriptions (€70 child/€80 adult) that pay back after two visits, group bookings and corporate/private events (school trips, weddings, children's birthday parties), per-ride attractions (fietsboten €5, carrousel €1, strippenkaart €5), parking fees (€10.50/day including 18 EV chargers), on-site food and retail across roughly ten named outlets (Schnitzel Boerderij, Restaurant de Buitenplaats, Oertijd, etc.), and the DierenPartner corporate sponsorship program.

Customer segments are dominated by Dutch families with children, supplemented by school groups, corporate events, and wedding celebrations. The park holds memberships in the Nederlandse Vereniging van Dierentuinen (NVD, 14 Dutch zoos) and the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA, 345 zoos across 41 countries), actively participating in European Endangered Species Programs and operating the Wildlife Fund established in 2003 for in-situ conservation. Commercial technology consists of an online ticket shop, subscription management portal, live animal webcams (tiger and owl), and a customer-service chatbot (Ranger Niels), with marketing distributed across YouTube, TikTok, Facebook Messenger, email, and a Spotify podcast.

Name

DierenPark Amersfoort

Legal name

DierenPark Amersfoort

Website

https://dierenparkamersfoort.nl

Company type

Private

Founded year

1948

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

DierenPark Amersfoort is a family-owned, 365-day zoo in Amersfoort, Netherlands, housing 1,500+ animals across 120+ species. It serves primarily Dutch families with children via ticket sales, annual subscriptions, and themed area attractions, supplemented by school, corporate, and wedding events.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Zoological Park / Wildlife Attraction

NAICS

Zoos and Botanical Gardens (71213), Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (712190)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Zoo & Aquarium Parks (Ticketed Wildlife Attractions) (THAJAEAE)

akta.pro secondary industry

Wildlife Watching & Encounters (Birding, Whale Watching, Primates) (THAJAIAC)

Keywords

• Animal park attractions
• Wildlife conservation zoo
• Family zoo experiences
• Educational zoo programs
• Themed animal exhibits

Headquarters

HQ city

Amersfoort

HQ country

Netherlands

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Day Tickets: One-time admission fees for individual visitors. Online tickets at discounted rates vs gate prices. Children 3-12, adults, and free entry for 0-2 years.
2. Annual Subscriptions: Year-long access passes with benefits including exclusive event access, 10% restaurant/shop discount, and reduced rates at partner parks. Payoff after 2 visits.
3. Group Bookings & Events: School trips, corporate events, team outings, birthday parties, and weddings hosted at the park. Customized packages for groups.
4. Attractions & Rides: Additional paid attractions including fietsboten (bicycle boats) at €5, carrousel at €1, Berenboemel at €1, and attraction strip cards.
5. ZOOmer Festival Tickets: Separate evening event tickets (20-23 August) from 15:00-20:00 with live music, entertainment, and food trucks. €12.50 children, €17.50 adults.
6. Parking Fees: Parking at €10.50 per car per day with 18 electric charging points available.
7. Food & Retail: Multiple restaurants and shops throughout the park including Schnitzel Boerderij, Restaurant de Buitenplaats, Oertijd, Oma's Eethuys, IJstijd, IJs & ZOO, Hyenabar, Lekker, Apegoed (souvenirs), and Jungleshop.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

DierenPark Amersfoort is a family-oriented zoological park in the Netherlands operating 365 days a year, offering visitors access to more than 1,500 animals across 120+ species through immersive themed areas (Dinobos, Chimpanseevallei, Rijk der Reuzen, Stad der Oudheid, De Nacht, Woud, Snavelrijk, Prairie), the unique Klim Alles-route climbing adventure that traverses animal enclosures, and seasonal events (ZOOmer Festival, Waterpret, DinoAdventures, Warme Winteravonden). It sells day tickets (€25.50-€31.50), annual subscriptions (€70-€80), group bookings, and in-park food and retail services, while funding conservation through the DierenPark Amersfoort Wildlife Fund.

Product overview

DierenPark Amersfoort is a family-oriented zoo in Amersfoort, Netherlands, offering a diverse portfolio of themed areas, attractions, educational programs, events, and digital services. The core experience centers on the zoo itself with animal enclosures designed for close viewing, supplemented by themed areas (Dinobos, Chimpanseevallei, Rijk der Reuzen, Stad der Oudheid, De Nacht, Woud, Snavelrijk, Prairie), adventure attractions (Klim Alles-route, Expeditie-rivier), and visitor amenities (restaurants, shops). The park operates seasonal events including Waterpret, ZOOmer Festival, Warme Winteravonden, and DinoAdventures, alongside educational offerings such as keeper meet-and-greets, owl pellet dissections, school programs, and downloadable presentations. Digital services include live webcams for tigers and owls, and the Kims Dierenvraag YouTube series. The park also offers group packages for children's birthdays, weddings, corporate events, and school visits. Conservation efforts are supported through the Wildlife Fund, which funds projects for endangered species protection. Ticket products include day tickets (€25.50-€31.50) and annual subscriptions (€70-€80 for children/adults).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• DierenPark Amersfoort Wildlife Fund: Wildlife conservation fund established in 2003 that supports projects protecting endangered species and their habitats in the wild
• DierenPartner

Products and services

• DierenPark Amersfoort Zoo Experience The core zoo park admission experience featuring more than 1,500 animals across 120+ species with multiple themed areas, opened 365 days a year. Marketed as 'the zoo for children.'
• Dinobos Dinosaur-themed area featuring life-sized replicas of brachiosaurus, T-rex, and other dinosaurs, with visitors traveling through three dinosaur eras (Trias, Jura, Krijt) on an adventurous time journey.
• Chimpanseevallei Chimpanzee valley with 1800 m² of climbing and movement space allowing close observation of chimpanzees and learning about threats to the species, in partnership with the Jane Goodall Institute.
• Klim Alles-route Climbing and scrambling route through the zoo with rope bridges, underground tunnels, slides, and towers allowing visitors to climb above bears, dive between hyenas, and traverse between animal enclosures.
• Expeditie-rivier River expedition where visitors pedal in bicycle boats past maki islands, giraffes, and zebras. Costs €5 per boat, accommodates four people, approximately 20 minutes per ride.
• Rijk der Reuzen Elephant area where visitors can stand nose-to-trunk with Asian elephants, featuring matriarch Indra, Kina, newborn calf Raj, and largest bull Maung Htoo.
• De Nacht Night-themed area kept dark during daytime and lit at night, allowing visitors to observe nocturnal animals including night monkeys, rabbit wallabies, votsotsas, and sloths during opening hours.
• Woud Dutch nature area featuring wolves, badgers, acorn mice, and the Kwetterterp observation post for Dutch bird watching.
• Stad der Oudheid Ancient city themed area exploring how humans and animals lived together, featuring palace of King Darius with tigers, tower with lion arena, and baboon island.
• Snavelrijk Bird area featuring exotic birds including griffon vultures, Dalmatian pelicans, nimmerzats, and black ibis, integrated with the Klim Alles-route.
• Prairie Prairie-themed area featuring black-tailed prairie dogs living in underground burrows, with visitors exploring tunnels to observe social behavior.
• ZOOmer Festival Annual summer festival on August 20-23 featuring live music, entertainment, food trucks, silent disco, and children's disco, running 15:00-20:00 between the animals. Separate evening-event tickets.
• Waterpret Summer water activities from July 4 to August 30 featuring water fountains, creek splashing, water trail activities, and water conservation games.
• Dierkeuken (Animal Kitchen) Animal kitchen and Food Trail experience where visitors can watch keepers prepare food for elephants, penguins, and lions, and solve animal menu puzzles.
• Kinderfeestje (Children's Birthday Party Package) Birthday party package including zoo entry, lunch, scavenger hunt, ride on Bear Climb or carousel, and a surprise gift for the birthday child.
• School Visits Curriculum-aligned educational zoo visits for school groups with learning objectives tied to animal, conservation, and nature education.
• Business Events Corporate events, team outings, and business meetings hosted between the animals in the zoo setting.
• Trouwen (Weddings) Wedding celebrations in a forested setting among more than 1,500 animals.
• Ontmoet de Dierverzorger (Meet the Keeper) Daily animal keeper meet-and-greet sessions where visitors can ask questions and learn about animals, with some sessions including formal presentations.
• Live Animal Webcams (Tijgercam & Uilencam) Live webcam feeds allowing visitors to view animals remotely from home, including the tiger enclosure (Tijgercam) and barn owl nesting box at Kwetterterp (Uilencam), available 24/7.
• Day Tickets One-time admission tickets for individuals and families. Online rates: Child (3-12) €25.50, Adult €29.50. Gate rates: Child €27.50, Adult €31.50. Children under 3 enter free.
• Jaarabonnement (Annual Subscription) Year-long access passes with benefits including exclusive event access, 10% discount at restaurants and shops, and discounted rates at partner parks. Child €70/year, Adult €80/year, with payback after 2 visits.
• DierenPark Amersfoort Wildlife Fund Conservation fund supporting international species protection projects including IUCN projects and wildlife conservation initiatives for species such as Somali wild donkey, spectacled bear, and elephants.

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• DierenPark Amersfoort Wildlife FundcoreOthers · 1 January 2003Own conservation foundation established in 2003 supporting international species protection projects. The fund supports IUCN projects, wildlife conservation initiatives, and local species protection programs for animals like Somali wild donkey, spectacled bear, and elephant research.
• Nederlandse Vereniging van Dierentuinen (NVD)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDutch Association of Zoos comprising 14 quality zoos. Member collaboration on animal care standards, conservation programs, and species protection initiatives.
• European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEuropean zoo network connecting 345 zoos in 41 countries. DierenPark Amersfoort participates in European Endangered Species Programs (EEPs) and coordinates EEP for green-cheeked amazon parrot. Also holds EAZA studbook for spotted hyena.
• Jane Goodall InstituteminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership featured in Chimpanseevallei educational zone. The institute's conservation work is highlighted to visitors, educating them about chimpanzee protection in natural habitats.
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Wildlife Fund supports IUCN projects, particularly for Somali wild donkey conservation efforts in East Africa.
• Marjo Hoedemaker Elephant FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCharitable foundation supported by DierenPark Amersfoort focused on Asian elephant conservation efforts.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Ouwehands Dierenpark: Rhenen-based NVD/EAZA zoo famous for its polar bear exhibit and Rhenen bear-related branding. Directly competes in the Dutch family zoo market with comparable subscription and group products.
• Wildlands Adventure Zoo Emmen: Large Emmen-based Dutch zoo with themed adventure zones (Jungola, Serenga, Nortica). Directly competes with DierenPark Amersfoort's themed-area strategy, especially for family day-trips in northern/eastern Netherlands.
• Diergaarde Blijdorp: Major Rotterdam zoo and NVD/EAZA member with extensive themed biozones (Oceanium, Amazonica, Malacca). Similar scale and family demographic, and a key competitor for Dutch family day-out budgets.
• Safaripark Beekse Bergen: Hilvarenbeek safari park and NVD/EAZA member; the drive-through and walking safari experience overlaps with DierenPark Amersfoort's experiential attractions for family visitors.
• Koninklijke Burgers' Zoo: Dutch zoo in Arnhem operating since 1913, member of NVD and EAZA, with comparable themed ecosystems (Bush, Mangrove, Desert, Ocean) and family-focused positioning. Directly competes for family day-trip and school group visits in the Netherlands.
• GaiaZOO: Kerkrade-based Dutch zoo voted among 'most beautiful zoos in the Benelux' with similar family and educational focus, NVD/EAZA member, comparable ticket and subscription pricing.
• Natura Artis Magistra (Artis): Amsterdam zoo founded in 1838, part of NVD/EAZA, with city-centre location and broad species mix. Closely comparable family and educational programming to DierenPark Amersfoort.
• Apenheul: Apeldoorn primate-focused zoo and NVD/EAZA member with similar family positioning and free-roaming primate concept. Competes for Dutch family day-out and school visits.

Broad incumbents

• Efteling: Largest Dutch theme park with year-round operation and strong family appeal. Competes with DierenPark Amersfoort for family discretionary leisure spend rather than for zoo-specific visits, but is the dominant alternative destination in the same Dutch leisure category.

Regional players

• Pairi Daiza: Belgium's largest zoo with themed world zones, EAZA member. Comparable family leisure destination; does not directly compete in the Netherlands but draws cross-border visitors and is the closest European peer in scale and concept.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/playlist?list=PLucZ-tFMcIvPV3V-Rpp2VXOgkBctcUCnB
• Facebookfacebook.com/DierenParkAmersfoort
• Xx.com/dpamersfoort
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/dierenpark-amersfoort

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about DierenPark Amersfoort