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New building for mammals

AAP has started constructing a new mammal building in 2025. The old tropical greenhouse was built in 48 hours in 1996 thanks to the TV programme De Uitdaging (the Challenge) with Angela Groothuizen, and was then mainly intended for small primate species. Over time, numerous small mammals that require a tropical temperature were taken in.

More space and a better climate

After almost 30 years of service, the greenhouse had reached the end of its life, and the insulation and available space no longer met our requirements. The greenhouse has been demolished. The new, sustainable design therefore includes more space for rescued animals and better climate control.

Unfortunately, the number of requests for taking in (small) mammals in distress is not decreasing but increasing. That is why AAP has decided to invest in the mammal building to provide space for future animals. The new building will also provide enclosures for a wide variety of animals, from common marmosets and sugar gliders to degus, servals and ring-tailed lemurs.

Greenhouse with bulldozer in front
The old greenhouse.

Future-proof building

The work will take place from spring until the end of 2025. The greenhouse has now been removed and will be replaced by a permanent building. Features of the new building:
  • 27 indoor enclosures, almost all of which are linked to outdoor enclosures.
  • We can connect enclosures using hatches, allowing us to be flexible depending on the animal species and their space requirements.
  • We are also building 39 indoor enclosures for smaller mammals such as degus.
  • The outdoor enclosures for raccoons, for example, will remain in their current form.
  • All enclosures will be custom designed for AAP.
The new building also meets our sustainability requirements:
  • The building will not be connected to gas.
  • There will be a heat pump.
  • The building will be fully insulated. This will significantly reduce energy consumption.
The former greenhouse has been dismantled and removed in such a way that materials such as aluminium, steel and concrete could be recycled.
Two ring-tailed lemurs
Ring-tailed lemurs Yupp and Brienne.
Serval
Serval Noa in her outdoor enclosure at AAP.
Common marmoset
Common marmoset Nguyen.

Temporary housing for mammals

We are always looking for new homes for the animals we rescue where they can stay for the rest of their lives. We have succeeded in finding new homes for some of the mammals at our outplacement partners, and they have been moved before construction began. The animals that are still at AAP have been placed in temporary enclosures on the premises.

Financing

The new building has been financed with our own funds, and in addition we have received a large donation from a foundation. AAP does not receive a subsidy for this new building.

The new building is being realised by:
  • Building Contractor: Dijkham B.V.
  • Installer: Wouda
  • Enclosures: Willems Staal
  • Architect: Popov Architects