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Protecting the Dutch nature
Take a good look around you when you walk in Eindhoven Zoo. Then you will see many indigenous animal and plant species that do not belong to the collection, but do have a place in our park. These species are adapted to our environment, our climate and other animals and plants native to the Netherlands. A good example is the cycle of insects, which is adapted exactly to the period when plants are flowering.
In Eindhoven Zoo you will learn all about animal species from all over the world, but, the stories of native species are at least as important. These animals play an important role in Dutch biodiversity. Moreover, many indigenous species are just as threatened as some of the species living in our park. Therefore, we are actively committed to the conservation and protection of these species.
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Leaving leaves
In the fall, leaves fall from the trees. We do not clean these up, but deliberately leave them. This is because this layer of leaves is digested by microorganisms. This creates a layer of humus that in turn is good nutrition for plants. This layer of leaves also provides a place for insects and small mammals such as mice and hedgehogs. In addition, since we have stopped clearing the leaves, we see a lot more blackbirds and robins, which come for the insects. A lot of squirrels can also be seen in the park, hiding food like acorns and hazelnuts under the leaf layer. Another benefit is that we don't have to spray as much in the summer. Because sunlight no longer reaches the ground directly through the leaves, less water evaporates.
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Giving nature the space
Weeds are often seen as negative, but at Eindhoven Zoo we are happy with them! This is because these native plants attract insects, which in turn attract birds. We don't sow the flowers and herbs ourselves, they come up by themselves. This way we know for sure that they are plants that really fit into our environment. We leave the flowering herbs in places where this adds value for animals and nature. We also only mow in June to give insects plenty of room to develop in the spring.
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The insect hotel
The threat to the survival of bees and other insect species is a threat to all of nature. About 80 percent of all food crops are pollinated by insects. To help insects, several insect hotels have been placed in the park. The hotels are safe nesting places and symbolize chemical-free management of "pests.
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