ARTIS Zoo in Amsterdam has received official certification as an Urban Dark Sky Place from DarkSky International. This distinction makes ARTIS the first location in the heart of a European capital to earn this recognition and the first zoo in the world to achieve such a designation.
The certification acknowledges ARTIS”s commitment to reducing light pollution and highlights the necessity of darkness for both nature and human well-being. Viewed from above at night, Amsterdam resembles a sea of lights, with a notably dark area: the ARTIS Zoo. Positioned in the city center, the zoo serves as a sanctuary of darkness where nighttime remains genuinely dark.
Ensuring the welfare of its animals is a priority for ARTIS, and adequate nighttime rest is vital. Both urban wildlife and the animals cared for by ARTIS benefit from the preservation of night darkness.
Dan Oakley, a representative of DarkSky International, remarked, “It is fantastic that ARTIS has been certified as an Urban Dark Sky Place. The fact that a zoo in the bright city of Amsterdam protects the night sky and informs the public about its importance is immensely valuable. This benefits not only residents and visitors but also the animals. We hope other zoos will follow ARTIS”s lead, creating more DarkSky locations.”
The significance of preserving darkness is underscored by the fact that the Netherlands ranks among the countries with the highest levels of light pollution worldwide. Artificial lighting in urban areas increases by 10% annually, disrupting biological rhythms, disorienting animals, and impacting human health. With this certification, ARTIS takes on the role of an ambassador for darkness, raising awareness about the effects of light pollution on nature.
Beginning this winter, ARTIS will host events for visitors to appreciate the beauty of the night. During special nighttime openings, a limited number of guests will be able to stroll through the park, engage their senses in the darkness, and rediscover the stars at the ARTIS Planetarium.
Savitri Groag, the Sustainability Coordinator at ARTIS, stated, “Darkness plays a crucial role for plants, animals, and humans. By turning off the lights, we restore nature”s natural biorhythms. This certification shows that even in the heart of a major city, the preservation of nighttime darkness is achievable.”
For more information, visit ARTIS.
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