The emergence

Private property becomes public 

The founder of Vogelpark Avifauna is the Van den Brink family. When they built up their private collection, the rules were much less strict. As a result, they were able to buy up almost all bird species and the collection grew into one of the most famous in the region. After Van den Brink opened his estate to visitors once at the request of the mayor, the enthusiasm was so great that he decided to set up a bird park. In the 1950s Vogelpark Avifauna a fact: the first bird park in the world! You can still admire some characteristic, historic parts from that time, such as the row of trees at the entrance, the rose garden with the chestnut tree and the pond with the park restaurant.  

The toucan stays 

In 1956 the bird park was sold to the Van der Valk family. The new owner was so impressed by the beautiful toucan in Avifauna's original logo that he made the bird the model for the logo of the entire family business. In the following period, the park grew into one of the largest specialized bird parks in the world.  

On the move 

Zoos have been in a state of flux for several decades. For example, it used to be completely normal to house different animal species in separate cubicles. Nowadays the enclosures are much more natural and different animal species live together where possible. At Avifauna, we consider our animals as ambassadors for their peers in the wild. Like other zoos, we are committed to nature and species conservation around the world. The educational element is also much more important today than it was back then.  

separate foundation 

Because of this changing view of zoos Vogelpark Avifauna now separated from the Van der Valk concern. It is housed in a separate foundation and has been given its own logo. Van der Valk only takes care of the catering in the park.  

Our rich history will remain visible in various places in the park, but we are emphatically focusing on the future, based on new insights, guidelines and visitor wishes. Avifauna is ready for tomorrow!