Get up close and personal with primates at this unique Dutch ape and monkey zoo.
Apenheul Primate Park was a novel concept for zoos when it opened back in 1971: a zoo where apes and monkeys could live, free of enclosures, in a forest habitat where humans could also observe and interact with them up close and personal. This is exactly what visitors will encounter at the start of the park trail, where Bolivian squirrel monkeys leap from branch to branch and, quite frequently, from shoulder to shoulder across the thicket of visitors; zookeepers screen visitors in advance to make sure that they're monkey-proof, with purses and backpacks securely closed to thwart the mischievous primates.
Farther down the park trail, more secure barriers allow visitors to observe the antics of other primate species, from miniature marmosets to man-sized Hominid apes. Several non-primates also appear at the zoo, from assorted bird species to herd of laid-back capybaras that share their space with the rambunctious spider monkeys. Other facilities, such as elaborate play areas for kids and refreshment stands, make the park a self-contained destination for a varied day outdoors. Travel time from Amsterdam is just one hour, 45 minutes; allow at least three or four hours for a stroll of the park, and try to sync your route to the primates' scheduled mealtimes, which are preceded by informative presentations by Apenheul staff.
Apenheul Visitor Information:
Apenheul Location
J.C. Wilslaan 21
7313 HK Apeldoorn
Hours
Admission Fees
Get There
From Amsterdam Central Station, travelers must take an Intercity train first to Hilversum or Amersfoort, then transfer to another Intercity to Apeldoorn (travel time: 75 minutes). From Station Apeldoorn, take bus 6 (direction: Orden/Rijkskantoren) to the Waltersingel bus stop. Follow John F. Kennedylaan west to the rotunda, then take the third turn onto J.C. Wilslaan; follow J.C. Wilslaan to the zoo entrance. Total travel time: about one hour, 45 minutes.
More Information
Call +31 (0)55 35 75 757 or visit the Apenheul web site.
Farther down the park trail, more secure barriers allow visitors to observe the antics of other primate species, from miniature marmosets to man-sized Hominid apes. Several non-primates also appear at the zoo, from assorted bird species to herd of laid-back capybaras that share their space with the rambunctious spider monkeys. Other facilities, such as elaborate play areas for kids and refreshment stands, make the park a self-contained destination for a varied day outdoors. Travel time from Amsterdam is just one hour, 45 minutes; allow at least three or four hours for a stroll of the park, and try to sync your route to the primates' scheduled mealtimes, which are preceded by informative presentations by Apenheul staff.
Apenheul Visitor Information:
Apenheul Location
J.C. Wilslaan 21
7313 HK Apeldoorn
Hours
- April 1 to June 30: Daily, 10am to 5pm.
- July 1 to August 31: Daily, 10am to 6pm.
- September 1 to late October: Daily, 10am to 5pm.
Admission Fees
- Adults: € 19.75
- Children 3 to 12: € 17.50
- Children under 3: Free
Get There
From Amsterdam Central Station, travelers must take an Intercity train first to Hilversum or Amersfoort, then transfer to another Intercity to Apeldoorn (travel time: 75 minutes). From Station Apeldoorn, take bus 6 (direction: Orden/Rijkskantoren) to the Waltersingel bus stop. Follow John F. Kennedylaan west to the rotunda, then take the third turn onto J.C. Wilslaan; follow J.C. Wilslaan to the zoo entrance. Total travel time: about one hour, 45 minutes.
More Information
Call +31 (0)55 35 75 757 or visit the Apenheul web site.