Education and public support for nature conservation are increasingly important pillars of zoo objectives. By adding the world's largest seagrass aquarium, Royal Burgers' Zoo aims to draw attention to this vulnerable underwater ecosystem. A scientific program is also linked to the development of this new concept, in which the universities of Wageningen and Groningen are collaborating.
This development aligns with how Burgers' Zoo distinguishes itself from many traditional zoos. The park does not exclusively present individual animal species, but allows visitors to experience complete ecosystems. In terms of content, the seagrass forms the missing link between the mangrove and the coral reef: three biotopes that can be experienced separately within the park, but are closely connected ecologically. This makes it possible to tell a coherent story about the tropical coastal landscape within the visitor route.
From a recreational perspective, the seagrass aquarium is unlikely to be a major crowd-puller like an entirely new themed area or an enclosure featuring an iconic species. However, for people with a strong interest in Marine Biology (a small target group, but the pioneers), this addition will be a reason for an extra visit. The added value for the zoo lies primarily in:
- the quality improvement and updating of Burgers' Ocean;
- an additional experiential moment within an existing and weather-resistant indoor element;
- new stories for guided tours, school visits, and public activities;
- extra publicity value by presenting 'the largest seagrass aquarium in the world';
- Making research and nature conservation visible to a broad audience.
What does Burgers do to tell the story?
The spokesperson explains how visitors are involved in this project: “We have installed a large information panel/board in which we explain the importance of seagrass for the ecosystem. In addition, we will also talk about this new system during guided tours (by our zoo guides) and, for example, provide regular updates in ZieZoo on the progress of the seagrass ecosystem’s development.”
A complex project, supported by universities
For years, Burgers' Zoo has been working on important marine ecosystems: a large Indonesian coral reef and a mangrove from Belize. Now, a third aquatic ecosystem is following: an Indonesian seagrass meadow. All aquariums are part of the 'Burgers' Ocean' zone. The new seagrass aquarium will have a volume of over 50.000 liters. Marine biologist Max Janse explains that seagrasses are found all over the world, including in the Netherlands. These ecosystems are under severe pressure. This is partly due to climate change, but pollution also places heavy strain on this vulnerable marine ecosystem.
Biologists and animal keepers from Burgers' Ocean, the tropical coral reef aquarium at the Arnhem zoo, are performing important pioneering work together with Wageningen University, the Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ), and the University of Groningen, which are scientifically monitoring the project.
Worldwide research into seagrass restoration
Seagrass meadows are struggling worldwide due to climate change, pollution, destructive fishing, coral reef degeneration, and coastal development, among other factors. Globally, a great deal of time, money, and effort is being invested in seagrass meadow restoration. Burgers' Zoo will attempt to build everything from scratch and scientifically monitor the development of the seagrass meadow in collaboration with Wageningen University, NIOZ, and the University of Groningen, thereby contributing educationally and scientifically to seagrass restoration.
More information: www.burgerszoo.nl