11.8.2020 by Patricia Roberts

Some time ago, I informed you about Laila, the little snow leopard, born in Planckendael on April 4, who lost her mommy after three weeks and was then handraised by her keepers. As from then, I planned to pay her a visit and that is what I did on Saturday, August 7.

First, a short note on the history of Planckendael. In 1956, the Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp (KMDA) bought the estate of Planckendael, that was probably originally a Roman settlement in the middle of a wetland. It was not until 1780 that the estate was first called Planckendael in the archives and it appears in the same year that the castle at the main entrance of the park was built in restrained rococo style. Somewhat later the park opened its doors to the public. Initially the interest in small and limited resources only made a slow development. But in 1985, a restructuring plan was drawn up with the Antwerp Zoo to expand it into a young, wide and open park with large animal enclosures. This fully modern zoo is a perfect complement to the Antwerp Zoo, both animal collections complement each other, and as such you can visit both parks, without having the impression to see twice the same.

Planckendael also is having the intention to make their animal enclosures to fit as closely as possible into the landscape. Some parts of the park remain untouched, so all year round wild flowers and plants can be found. Planckendael houses not only exotic animals such as rhino, buffalo and various antelope species. There’s also a lot of attention to animals of our region. Withdrawn by their lifestyle or their rarity you get these animals in our nature almost invisible.

And so, on Saturday morning at 9:15 a.m., Sonja (a colleague of mine) and I arrived at the entrance, way too early since the cash point only opens at 10:00 a.m. And there the pleasure and the fun started. Because Sonja is having an annual ticket and I still needed an entrance card, we had to wait for about 45 minutes and therefore started to chat a bit with some people of Planckendael. Na ja, after 5 minutes, they decided that I could enter without ticket !!!! I was allowed to come back later to arrange that. Well, I gave them the money and rushed into the park.

Planckendael is so far divided into the 5 continents: Africa, America, Asia, Europe and Oceania. The different kind of animals is rather limited, but the enclosures are nice AND large and it is combining in a very nice manner the advantages of a zoo and a park: one can watch a lot of animals and due to its layout and size, it is never giving the impression to be overcrowded and as such, one can walk around and enjoy nature in all its beauty and peace.

Herewith a summary of the things I really loved: although there are not so many cats of prey (cheetah, Indian lions, snow leopard), their outside enclosures are really huge and they all can really run around without being limited to a few square meters. Although I must immediately say that this is valid for all other animals. Another thing: Planckendael has really done its best to integrate general information and historical facts with regard to the 5 continents: for example, the African village and the Indonesian house. Another fact that makes it also very attractive is the educational information (by audio and video) and this not only for children!!! And most of all, the items that made me laugh very loud, is the good sense for humour, implemented here and there in small details. For example, the “serious” warnings of the dangers one can encounter in the jungle or the plastic animals here and there (which are not present alive).

And also, while walking around, one is discretly “forced” to pay attention to the enclosures: not every detail is offered just like that. And another thing that may not be forgotten: you get decent food there and for reasonable prices (OK, we are in Belgium and therefore we Belgians know what good food means).

And then of course: the main highlight of my visit: LAILA!!! My God, I cannot invent so many words to describe her and therefore, it suffices to simply say: she is beautiful, especially her tail is so cute. Funny detail: she is making “koddige piepgeluidjes”, actually not the sound one is expecting of a snow leopard. And almost all the time, there is one of the keepers around to answer questions and even a deaf one can hear the pride in their voice when they are talking about her. Especially when they tell the story that so far, she already hunted two rabbits who entered her enclosure.

The second highlight were the Indian lion cubs (four!!). They were very “brave” and came rather close to the audience, but then started hissing. However, mommy was keeping a good eye on them, assisted by daddy. Initially there were 5 cubs, but one was much smaller and weaker than the others and died after a few days.

The third one were the koalas: and they were active, just got food I suppose.

But then, ALAS, ALAS, ALAS, the battery of my camera was empty and during the next hours, I could only watch. Ah well, that is life, I suppose. And while I started to curse, I immediately also realized that this was a sign to come back to Planckendael. And more particular because in 2011, the elephants will move there and so Kai-Mook and Co will live in Planckendael. At this moment, the construction works are in full force.

And oh yes, a detail that I may not forget to tell you: it all started with storks: old or injured ones, who were offered a place to spend there the rest of their living days. And believe me, you find them everywhere.

Also, we were very lucky with the weather: although the weather forecasts announced heavy rain, it stayed dry (though rather cloudy) and warm enough).

And here is the link to my pics. Please bear in mind that I only have a small camera and no big lens, which means that the pics are not soo good.

http://good-times.webshots.com/album/578347757wtSpjK?vhost=good-times