Over the years, we have been to any number of zoos around the country. Most recently, we visited the Pairi Daiza Resort – a very different kind of place near Brugelette in Belgium. Yes, there are a variety of animals, but we stayed in an apartment with windows directly out to the enclosures. The first night we stayed next to the Sea Lion area while the second night we had a window into the Tiger enclosure. Both locations were fantastic!
Pairi Daiza is organized representing five continents to reflect the origins of the animals in those areas. It is a very large place with more than 7,500 animals in spacious habitats including Giant pandas, elephants, polar bears, orangutans, rare birds, gorillas, walruses; more than 800 species are protected in the Park. Awarded “Best Zoo in Europe” it is also certified “Three Stars” in the Michelin Green Guide.
We arrived late in the evening and arrived just prior to their closing of the dining room (room reservations include both breakfast and dinner) which was fortunate. The first night, staying next to the Sea Lions we didn’t really appreciate what we could see. In the morning, it was clear the Sea Lions were active, as they kept barking!
Our second night was overlooking the tiger enclosure and we had some nice close encounters.
After buffet breakfast we toured around and one area in particular was quite fun. They have put in world where dinosaurs dominated the Earth. This unique exhibition had a bunch of them animatronically moving around, roaring and generally showing off. Our 5-year old grand girl really enjoyed this area for sure.
At one point, my grands and their mother went over the suspension bridge – this bridge was quite long and went over several different animal enclosures. They were all very brave!
Janeen particularly liked the entrance to the Chinese Garden – very similar to that at the Huntington Gardens in San Marino (CA) where she u volunteered in the Herb Garden. Called the Middle Kingdom, it’s filled with magnificent gardens and architecture.
The Chinese Garden, the largest in Europe, is home to Giant Pandas (not on display due to the weather) Asiatic Black Bears, Red Pandas, Snow Leopards and many others.
Polar Bears have a wonderful space – and you get to see them up close as they swim by!
Turns out that during our visit several areas have been a transformed into a festive and colorful atmosphere with 9 giant masks creations, as well as the enchanting decorations. This all to celebrate Carnaval.
The following morning was clear and beautiful and we wandered around some more and enjoyed the exhibits and scenery.
There is a large building with a walk through aquarium with an abundance of different tanks filled with fish!
Just before lunch, our youngest son Ryan, joined us and we all celebrated his birthday.
Once that was done, we transferred all our stuff from into his car and continued our Adventure in France. Stay tuned, more to come!
What fun! I’m happy you had such a great time despite the less-than-summer-like weather 🙂
What a wonderful and unusual zoo experience!!
Obviously quite an experience for all and especially the grands. The sea lions are active here in Morro Bay and the Lee’s need to come visit our sea lions.