You know what? I used to be perfectly fine with coming here as it was the only zoo in the country where you could bring your dog. Since I'm not a huge fan of the zoo anyway, my dog provided me with some much needed entertainment.
That being said, since we've had our son I can remember just one time that I actually enjoyed coming here. During the pregnancy and afterwards all our other visits have made me completely miserable. Staff here quite often seems to be incompetent, food is overpriced and the smoking policies really need to be changed to no smoking at all. For instance, last Sunday when we went, I was walking the dog through the enclosure where the birds fly, swim and walk freely. A new lookout had been built: great! Problem is that there was a group of eight or so people (I'm guessing all family) that were smoking there. IN AN ENCLOSURE!!! Of course no personnel to be found anywhere near there. I already feel like I'm doing something wrong when I walk through there with my mostly well behaved dog.
Anyway, I've just learned that Amersfoort zoo now also welcomes dogs so when our subscription is up we definitely won't be renewing at Ouwehand. Amersfoort is much more interactive and child oriented anyway. read more