Epe Zoo, Dierenpark Wissel

History

Epe Zoo is closed since 2015

'Dierenpark Wissel' or Epe Zoo is located close to the township of Epe in the northern part of 'de Veluwe', a major forest area in the Netherlands. The rivulet that winds through the Park, 'de Tongerense beek', has been the life line for this area for over 450 years. Once the source of energy and water supply for flourmills, paper mills and laundries, now the source of life while creating islands and habitats for many endemic species. This natural situation has been ingeniously used to create different enclosures, of which some are similar, though smaller, to the environment of the exotic species in their country of origin. The many species of trees, shrubs and plants give a naturalistic appearance to the Zoo.

In 1711 the Jonker family built a farm along the Tongerense beek. This farm, which is still there, is adjacent to the zoo and was the only house in the vicinity at the time. Soon the farm got a water wheel and mill stones and Jonker started grinding his own corn. By the end of the 19th century, the farm became property of the family Overbosch. In the beginning of the next century the area came into the possession of Mr. J. Eshuis and the mill was now a dry-cleaning business known as 'de Achterste Molen' - the Rear Mill.

In 1953 Eshuis was succeeded by his son. He and his wife were real animal lovers and they started to collect and house various different species of animals on their property of about two hectares. Over time plans were developed to open their animal collection, now a small zoo, to the public. On Saturday 25 March 1967 the first visitors were welcomed to the zoological park that was named 'Dierenvreugd de Achterste Molen', which translates as 'Animal Joy the Rear Mill'. It was a modest collection of monkeys, birds, kangaroos, and some interesting sheep and goats, like Soay sheep, Jacob (multi-horned) sheep, Ouessant sheep, Hampshire Down sheep, Damara sheep, and Markhor.

In January 1984 the Park was sold to J.Th. Wunderink. The new owner had several enclosures refurbished and visitor numbers increased to about 40,000 per year. He also changed the name of the Park into 'Dierenpark Wissel'.

A further increase of visitor numbers was realised after another change of ownership in 1994, when the Zoo came into the hands of Palmary Parcs, a private company, now Zodiac Zoos. A new concept was developed and implemented in phases. In addition, the marketing was professionalised also.

When in 1997 'Dierenpark Wissel' was invited to become a member of the Dutch Association of Zoos (NVD) a milestone was achieved. It was a breakthrough and meant that from an official and professional point of view it was recognised that this small zoological park delivered the same level of quality as the major zoos in the Netherlands. Further recognition was achieved when the Zoo was admitted as member of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA).

To ensure continuation of the business and to expand the Zoo a masterplan was submitted to the Town Council in October 2000. Unfortunately, the neighbours responded so negatively to the plans, that it was decided to withdraw the masterplan. In 2001, however, together with the Town Council it was decided to look for a new location to build this new and larger Zoo. A location suitable to support such a zoo (of 18 hectare) was found in the hamlet 'Vemde', between Epe and Heerde. A new name for the Zoo, Pangea Parc, was announced and a new website had been developed accordingly, but it turned out that Zodiac Zoos could not meet the expectations.

Finally, in February 2015 Zodiac Zoos was declared bankrupt. Zodiac Zoos owned two other zoos as well - Zoo Parc Overloon and AquaZoo in Leeuwarden. All three zoos owned and managed by Zodiac Zoos have been taken over by Libéma, a leisure chain of amusement and holiday parks in the Netherlands that already operate two other Dutch Zoos, Hilvarenbeek Zoo and Mierlo Zoo.

Libéma has decided to close down Epe Zoo immediately, because it had no viable future considering the inadequate possibilities to extend the park grounds, while at the same time most of the current enclosures are not up-to-standard. The animals will be relocated within the European network of collaborating zoos, EAZA.

(Sources: website Dierenpark Wissel; website Pangea Parc; Zoosite.nl; Omroep Gelderland, 18/19.02.2015)

Visit(s)

22.05.2011

Carefully hidden, but well signposted, just outside the township Epe this small (3 hectare) zoological park is located in a little forest between several acres of farmland in the province of Gelderland. The Zoo has the appearance of a family-run business, which it was before it became part of Zodiac Zoos, a private company that owns three other zoos in the Netherlands.

Like the Zoo itself all enclosures are more or less hidden as to surprise the visitors. The Park is elongate, which makes it easy to navigate. There is only one trail to follow, but it is carefully planned with fences and hedges, so you do not see what is next on your tour. A surprise around every corner. The biggest surprise is right after the entrance, the ring-tailed lemur island. This enclosure could be a copy of the real habitat of these animals in Madagascar, I can imagine. The lemurs seem to enjoy their environment, which consist of a small forest surrounded by a creek providing ample opportunity to express natural behaviour, including breeding.

As the Zoo is quite small the focus is on small animals, but species from all continents, except the antarctic region, are exhibited. It is obvious that consessions had to be made to allow for a good representation of the different continents, either in number of species, number of animals or exhibit space. Considering the confined space to work with they did quite a good job, but the random way the species are grouped is confusing. Although part of the Zoo still consists of cages, efforts to modernise the enclosures according to the new standards turn out nicely. But it is clear that expansions are required when all exhibits should be the state-of-the-art.

The best examples of well designed and up to date bar-less exhibits are the already mentioned ring-tailed lemur island, the red panda enclosure, the white-nosed coati enclosure, the binturong enclosure, and the extremely beautiful and green island for the common squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus). Other bar-less enclosures provide a good view of the animals, but are sometimes very small considering the number of animals (the pelicans), or do not provide a lot of enrichment (the Asian small-clawed otters).

The Zoo has an interesting collection of monkeys, especially new world monkeys. They manage the EAZA Ex situ Programme of the Cotton-top tamarin (Saguinus oedipus oedipus) and take part in several other EEPs. In general all the monkeys are housed in cages still, but are provided with ample space and enrichment. Though the cages for the new world monkeys belong to the old school of zoo-design, they all have lots of bushes and trees for the animals to climb and play. These metal cages are the outdoor exhibits for the small monkeys, adjacent to their indoor facilities for cold periods. In contrast with these south-american monkey cages other cage-like constructions in the Park are erected with wooden materials.

The creek that winds through the Park is being used very efficiently and effectively. Obviously it separates the little islands from the 'main' land, but it also provides the essential environment for the crab-eating raccoon (Procyon cancrivorus), the Asian small-clawed otters, the pelicans, the Coscoroba swans, the flamingos and the Jackass penguin (Spheniscus demersus). The creek is either led through these enclosures or used as a water supply for the ponds created in these enclosures. For the first time ever I saw a penguin pool not filled with clear water, but with turbid natural water.

Finally, it is worth mentioning that a few mixed species exhibit have been established. In a large aviary two species from the Australian continent are gathered, the Australian rainbow lorikeet and the long-nosed potoroo. Another enclosure has an African content represented by the Kirk's dik-dik and the African crowned crane. While a South-American mixed species exhibit shows the white-faced saki and the common marmoset. An increase of these kind of exhibits will probably be the next step on the ladder of animal keeping, when the proposed plans of the Zoo's management can be effectuated.