GaiaZOO

GaiaZOO is a Dutch zoo located in Kerkrade. It opened in 2005 as GaiaPark with approximately 80 different species.  As of 2014 the zoo hosts approximately 100 different species.

Naming 
GaiaZOO is named after Gaia, the Greek goddess of the Earth. It also refers to the Gaia hypothesis which proposes the Earth is one big living organism. This organism includes all Earths' fauna, flora, water, sky and surface.

Species 
GaiaZOO hosts approximately 100 different species. Besides traditional zoo animals such as gorillas, rhinoceroses, lions, zebras ... GaiaZOO has some species which cannot be found in other Dutch zoos such as Amazon bush dogs, wolverines, muskoxes  and bat-eared foxes.

EAZA and breeding programmes 
GaiaZOO is member of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) and participates in breeding programs.

In 2014 three lion cubs were born and were named after the daughters of the Dutch king Willem-Alexander. Unfortunately, on Koningsdag the adult lions killed and ate the cubs.

DinoDome 
As from season 2009 GaiaZOO has Europe's biggest indoor dinosaur-themed playground named DinoDome with an area of .

References

External links 
 GaiaZOO

Category:Zoos in the Netherlands