BestZoo

Are you looking for a cozy spot for a family holiday in the province of North Brabant? BestZOO is a charming zoo located in the town of Best, Netherlands. Founded back in 1930, this park has come a long way from a small private collection to an important center for the conservation of rare animal species, welcoming tens of thousands of guests annually.

The specialty of this place lies in its intimate and friendly atmosphere. Unlike massive safari parks, visitors here can feel a closer connection with nature. The collection features over 70 species of animals: from majestic Sri Lankan leopards and jaguars to amusing ruffed lemurs and exotic birds like the Edwards's pheasant.

BestZOO actively participates in international EAZA programs for the conservation of endangered species, making a visit not only interesting but also meaningful in terms of supporting ecology. The park's renovated exhibits are designed with an emphasis on naturalness, providing comfort for the inhabitants and giving guests the opportunity to observe animals in conditions as close as possible to the wild.

To plan your visit and check the latest information, you can use the zoo's official communication channels. The staff is always ready to assist guests with navigation, services, and special offers.

At BestZOO, visitors can expect an exciting journey into the world of wildlife. The main focus here is on large predators: in spacious enclosures, you can see graceful Sri Lankan leopards, powerful jaguars, pumas, and even the king of beasts — the lion. Observing these cats in a setting that mimics their native lands leaves a lasting impression.

For those who prefer smaller but no less interesting inhabitants, the park is home to curious meerkats, fennec foxes with huge ears, and unusual striped skunks. Primate lovers will appreciate the chance to watch Colombian spider monkeys at play and the active lives of lemurs. Information stands throughout the area help you learn more about the habits of each species and their role in the planet's ecosystem.

Strolling along the zoo's well-maintained paths is perfect for wildlife photographers and families with children. The calm atmosphere allows you to observe every resident without any rush, while updated naturalistic rest areas make your stay in the park comfortable. Don't forget to stop by the otters and mongooses — their daily activities always bring smiles to both children and adults.

Getting to BestZOO, located at Broekdijk 5, is quite simple thanks to the region's well-developed road network. If you are traveling by car from Eindhoven, the trip will take only about 15–20 minutes via the A2 or A67 motorways. For easy navigation, it is recommended to use the coordinates 51.5279846, 5.3983356. Parking is available on-site for visitors arriving by car.

If you prefer public transport, the nearest major railway hubs are in Eindhoven and Helmond. From there, you can take a bus or use a taxi to reach the zoo entrance in Best. The travel time from the station is approximately 30 minutes.

For outdoor enthusiasts, a bicycle trip is an excellent option. The Netherlands is famous for its picturesque cycling paths, and the route to the zoo, which passes through sandy highlands near the Dommel River, will be a true delight for nature lovers.

The history of this place began back in 1930 when Mr. van Laarhoven Sr. founded a menagerie called Vleut the Zoo. At that time, the collection mainly consisted of local birds and a few species of exotic primates and predators. The zoo remained a family business for many decades, passing in 1982 to the founder's sons, who significantly expanded the number of inhabitants.

A new chapter in the park's life began in 2007 when it changed ownership and received its current name — BestZOO. The new owners from the Zodiac Zoos company began a large-scale modernization, aiming to create conditions for the animals that were as close as possible to their natural habitat. This transformed the old menagerie into a modern biodiversity conservation center.

Despite a change of ownership in 2010 (the park is currently owned by Jos Nooru), the commitment to improving animal welfare has continued. Today, BestZOO is an active participant in European programs for the conservation of endangered species, confirming its significance not only as a tourist attraction but also as a vital link in the global ecosystem.

To fully enjoy the atmosphere of the zoo and see all its inhabitants at a leisurely pace, it is recommended that regular visitors set aside about 3–4 hours. This is plenty of time to explore all the exhibits, read the information stands, and take memorable photos near the predator enclosures.

If you are planning a trip with the whole family, especially with young children, it is better to budget half a day for your visit. The cozy layout of the park encourages relaxed recreation, and the presence of relaxation zones allows children to fully enjoy watching the meerkats or playful monkeys without getting tired from a fast pace.

The zoo warmly opens its doors to visitors daily, providing an opportunity to get to know wildlife on any convenient day of the week. The opening schedule remains consistent throughout the year.

BestZOO is open from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Sunday. This schedule allows you to start your morning with a stroll among the enclosures or plan a visit for the afternoon to see the exhibits before closing.

Exploring the surrounding area of the zoo can significantly enrich your trip. Nearby, you will find many cozy places to relax after a long walk or to continue discovering local culture and nature.