Caring for life underwater
In the new Aquarium, animal welfare, education and nature conservation are at the heart of everything. It is not just a place to see animals. Visitors also discover how fragile life underwater is. And what is needed to protect it.
Protection starts with understanding
When creating the new aquariums, one question was always central: can the animals live well here?
Designed for the animals
For each species, ARTIS looked at its natural behaviour. Does an animal need a lot of space? Does it prefer to live among plants or among rocks? Does it need flowing water? And can it live well with other species?
The aquariums are designed so that animals can show natural behaviour. They can hide, swim, search for food and explore their surroundings. The water quality, temperature and lighting are also adapted to the species that live there.
Where do the animals come from?
The Aquarium is not about showing as many species as possible. It is about the connection between animals, plants and their habitat. Each species tells a story about water, biodiversity and the links between ecosystems. ARTIS carefully considers where animals come from. Many animals come from recognised zoos and aquariums. A smaller number come from professional breeders who work in a sustainable way.
Carefully chosen
When exchanging animals, ARTIS always follows national and international rules. The rules for protected species are also followed. Sometimes an animal originally comes from the wild. This only happens when there is a good reason. Sea urchins, for example, are important for underwater life, but they cannot yet be bred well. Another example is the mbu pufferfish, which became too large for someone’s home aquarium.
Working together for nature conservation
ARTIS contributes to nature conservation in different ways. This happens through research, cooperation and education.
Nurse shark
ARTIS coordinates the European species conservation programme for the shorttail nurse shark. ARTIS also carries out DNA research. This helps to show where the animals come from and how healthy the population is.
Eel
ARTIS also works with organisations in the Netherlands. For example with RAVON, which researches the migration of eels. The eel is critically endangered. By better understanding where the problems lie, better solutions can be found.
Evers’ ricefish
ARTIS also contributes internationally. In Indonesia, ARTIS helps protect the rare Evers’ ricefish. This is done by building a reserve population and restoring the habitat together with local organisations.