Safaripark Beekse Bergen breaks record with 1.5 million visitors

Safaripark Beekse Bergen welcomed no less than 1.5 million visitors last year. This record number is an absolute milestone for the zoo, which offers visitors a unique safari experience as well as a commitment to nature conservation and education.

General manager Rens Willemsen and his staff are proud of the growth the park is experiencing. "Our team works incredibly hard every day to give guests an unforgettable experience. The fact that we were able to welcome so many people this year shows that this effort is appreciated."

To celebrate the milestone, the 1.5 millionth visitor was put in the limelight on Monday. The Koomen family from Roosendaal was surprised with a gift package and a check. A ranger also took them on a Gamedrive and they were allowed to help feed the Hippopotamus. Father William: "What a great surprise! We wanted to go to the Safaripark twice before, but unfortunately we couldn't then because my wife had a broken vertebra and later a broken elbow. That's why it's extra nice that we get to experience this now. A fantastic experience!"

Even more safari experience

In recent years, a lot has been invested in Safaripark. Willemsen says, "We have innovated in several areas to further optimize the experience of guests and the habitat of the animals. Think of the realization of the new Elephant Valley, which was immediately inaugurated by the three young elephants we were able to welcome in late 2023 and early 2024. The Africa Village was further expanded to include the Mugunda restaurant. We also extended the walking safari and created a brand new stay for the Meerkats and the Bat-eared foxes, a new species for our park. This all adds to the special safari experience our park is known for."

Events such as Brew@theZoo and Light Safari are also important for the growth in visitor numbers. Willemsen: "With these types of events we provide more variety in our offerings and also attract other visitors. We see that this is catching on. In the coming months we expect a lot more from Light Safari, where people can discover the magic of light at night."

Taking care of nature together

Safaripark Beekse Bergen is actively committed to nature conservation and the protection of endangered species. At the park, visitors are inspired by animals that act as ambassadors for their peers in the wild. Many of these species are under pressure in their natural habitats. With targeted initiatives and collaborations, such as with Stichting Wildlife, Beekse Bergen contributes to their protection.

Willemsen stresses the importance of this: "In addition to creating a special experience for visitors, our mission is to raise awareness and actively contribute to nature conservation."

Continue to invest

Park research shows that guests appreciate the innovations. "We notice that they come back more often and recommend Safaripark to others," says Willemsen. "That positive word-of-mouth advertising is important. Still, it remains hard work to keep the quality at the highest level. We continue to innovate and invest, because only then can you continue to grow."