This Zoo First in World to Receive First Certified Dark Sky Park

The first zoo in the world to earn a Dark Sky certification has officially been named, and it can be found in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. ARTIS, the city’s historic zoo, is not only the first zoo to receive this certification, but also the first location in a European capital city to earn this designation.

While most of Amsterdam experiences light pollution, ARTIS has been recognized for its efforts to protect the night and combat light pollution. In fact, the Netherlands alone is named among the most light-polluted countries in the world. Artificial light, according to DarkSky International, disorients wildlife, affects human health and can disrupt our biological rhythm.

ARTIS met the requirements of DarkSky International by removing unnecessary fixtures, implementing sustainable measures to reduce energy use and preserve natural night conditions, and conducting an inventory of all outdoor lighting to develop a long-term plan to replace or adapt certain lights.

One of the oldest zoos in the world, ARTIS was established in 1838 and features a zoo, botanical garden and planetarium. With this new certification, ARTIS is officially recognized as an ambassador for darkness, and will offer a range of activities to help visitors experience the power of the night.

On exclusive evening openings, a limited number of guests can wander through the park and experience the dark with all of their senses, and perhaps even rediscover the stars.

“It’s fantastic that ARTIS has been certified as an Urban Night Sky Place,” said Dan Oakley, representative, DarkSky International. “The fact that, in a zoo in the light-filled city of Amsterdam, the night sky is being protected, and its importance explained to the general public, is tremendously valuable. This benefits not only residents and visitors, but also the animals. Hopefully, other urban zoos with follow ARTIS’s example, and more DarkSky Places will be created across the Netherlands.