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Conservation and protection of endangered species
Where do the animals living in Beekse Bergen come from and what is the role of a zoo anyway? On this page we answer these and all your other questions on this topic.
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The role of a zoo
All the animals living in Beekse Bergen were born here or moved to the park from another zoo. Thus, there are no animals taken from the wild and brought to our park. All species have an IUCN status, you'll read more about this later. Many of the animal species you see in Beekse Bergen have the status from "vulnerable" to "extinct in the wild. The role of zoos is to conserve and protect these species. European zoos work closely together to achieve this goal. In addition, it is good to know that animals are not the property of a park. It is not possible To buy or sell an animal.
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Management programs (EEPs).
Did you know that worldwide more than 4000 animal species are in danger of extinction? Zoos aim to protect and preserve these species. That is why more than 300 European parks work together in a management program, also called EEP called. This abbreviation stands for EAZA Ex situ Program. EAZA is the name of the organization to which the participating parks belong and Ex Situ means "outside the natural habitat. In this video, biologist Stijn and coordinator Lars tell you exactly how the EEP works and further on this page you can read more about which EEPs Lars himself coordinates.
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EEPs coordinator at Beekse Bergen.
Every management program has a coordinator. This is someone who keeps records of a species and is responsible for the population in zoos. With us this is Lars Versteege, he manages the EEPs of the Southern white rhinoceros and the Southern African cheetah. This means that he and a team advise on which animals may have cubs together and which will therefore move to other parks.
As one of his duties, Lars chairs the Rhinoceros TAG. This is a global organization dedicated to protecting all 5 rhino species from extinction. Lars visited Tanzania to strengthen cooperation, share his knowledge with national parks and ensure the successful reintroduction of rhinos into the wild.
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From 165 species, down to 5?
Did you know that there were once as many as 165 rhino species? Now there are only 5, which are threatened by poachers. The Southern African cheetah is also threatened by poachers who hunt them or capture and trade them. In addition, the habitat of the cheetah is rapidly disappearing. It is important to maintain the population in zoos so that these species do not become extinct.
Species conservation examples.
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Père David's deer
By 1900, there were only 16(!) Père David's deer and this species was extinct in the wild. Fortunately, this species was preserved and 1,500 animals now live again.
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Cheetaruil
Two Southern African cheetahs were swapped between Beekse Bergen and Burgers' Zoo with the ultimate goal: a new litter! In the video you can see how this went down.
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Przewalski's horses
In 2024, Przewalski's horses were released into the wild from several zoos. A special moment, as the species is extinct in the wild.
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Three Nubian giraffes
As many as 3 Nubian giraffes were born in January 2025! This is good news for the conservation of the species worldwide. It has the iucn status "vulnerable.
Read more about births, wildlife reintroduction or endangered species protection?
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Who do we work with?
We are a member of EAZA (European Association of Zoos and Aquaria). A park may become a member if it meets criteria for such areas as education, research, management programs and living conditions. About 350 zoos within Europe are members of EAZA. Animal exchange is preferably done with one of these parks.
The NVD (Dutch Association of Zoos) is the umbrella organization of Dutch zoos. Member parks work closely together and provide conservation and protection of nature, research to support this, a nice day out for visitors and good education.
Membership in the NVD and/or EAZA can be seen as a seal of quality for zoos.
Beekse Bergen is committed to nature conservation
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Nature Protection
Through Stichting Wildlife, we contribute to global animal protection.
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Research
Research is essential in protecting endangered species.
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Education
Love for animals and nature is fostered in our park through education.
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Native nature
Beekse Bergen protects and preserves many (endangered) native animal species.