#Netherlands #Amsterdam #ARTIS Zoo #DarkSky International #light pollution

Recognition for Night Sky Preservation

Amsterdam has garnered significant attention with its recent acknowledgment of the ARTIS Royal Zoo as an Urban Night Sky Place by DarkSky International. This prestigious certification positions ARTIS as the first zoo in the heart of a European capital to earn such an honor, and indeed, the world's inaugural zoo bestowed with this designation. This accomplishment underscores ARTIS's commitment to addressing light pollution and emphasizes the critical role darkness plays for both wildlife and humans.

The Importance of Darkness

As a city known for its vibrant nightlife, Amsterdam is often depicted as a sparkling gem when viewed from above. However, nestled in this sea of light is ARTIS Zoo, a sanctuary where the night remains enchanting and undisturbed. The preservation of nocturnal darkness is vital not only for the wellness of the zoo's animals but also for the broader ecosystem.

Dan Oakley of DarkSky International expressed his enthusiasm for ARTIS's certification, highlighting its value for the community. "It is fantastic that ARTIS has been recognized as an Urban Night Sky Place. In a city illuminated by artificial lights, the commitment to protect the night sky is invaluable for residents, visitors, and animals alike. We hope this inspires other zoos to follow suit and create more DarkSky locations."

Combatting Light Pollution

The Netherlands ranks among the highest in the world for light pollution, with artificial lighting in urban areas increasing annually by approximately 10%. This escalation disrupts biological rhythms, confuses wildlife, and negatively impacts human health. Through this certification, ARTIS steps forth as an ambassador for darkness, fostering awareness about how light pollution affects nature and overall well-being.

Starting this winter, ARTIS will host a series of activities aimed at immersing visitors in the beauty of the night. During special night openings, a limited number of guests will have the unique opportunity to traverse the zoo, engaging their senses in a complete darkness experience while rediscovering the stars in ARTIS’s Planetarium. Savitri Groag, Sustainability Coordinator at ARTIS, emphasized, “Darkness plays a crucial role in the lives of plants, animals, and humans. By switching off the lights, we reclaim the natural biorhythm of nature. This certification illustrates that even in the heart of a bustling city, the nocturnal environment can be preserved.”

As ARTIS Zoo leads the way in light pollution reduction, it serves as a model for urban environments worldwide. With initiatives that not only benefit its animals but also educate the public on the significance of a dark sky, ARTIS reaffirms the notion that nature can thrive even amidst the urban sprawl.

For more information, visit ARTIS's official website.



This commendable achievement not only enhances ARTIS Zoo's reputation but also encourages other institutions to adopt similar measures, reinforcing the collective responsibility to protect our planet's natural resources.