Moeflonstal one of the oldest animal enclosures in ARTIS Zoo
This monumental building, which served as an enclosure for various animal species in the 19th century, has a new function as a playground for ARTIS' youngest visitors.
Restored to its original state after historical research.
From past to present
- built in
- 1876
- designed by
- unkown
- then
- verblijf voor verschillende soorten schapen en geiten, Bennett-wallaby’s, emoes
- now
- speelplaats voor de jongste ARTIS-bezoekers
Monumental stable
The Moeflonstal (Mouflon stable), built in 1876, is one of the oldest animal enclosures in ARTIS. In the 19th century, ARTIS Zoo wanted to showcase many different animal species, so the stable was designed according to the ‘pie slice principle’. This meant that there were several beds around the stable. The enclosure was mainly for sheep and goats, and mouflons were its main inhabitants until 2002. Other animals such as Alpine ibex, tahrs, Barbary sheep and markhors also lived there. In 1977, a bed for Bennett wallabies was created on the west side of the barn. The mouflon bed on the east side was inhabited by emus until 2018.
Restoration and redevelopment
The Moeflonstal has been thoroughly restored and returned to its original pink colour. According to today's regulations, this national monument no longer suffices as a workplace for animal keepers. Therefore, the Moeflonstal is now no longer used as an animal shelter, but as a playground. A bronze mouflon by artist Tom Claassen recalls its former inhabitants. Parents can take a seat on the Duivenhuis terrace and enjoy a snack in the greenery, while the children play by the stable.
