On 12 May 2026 we proudly welcomed Queen Máxima of the Netherlands to our rescue centre in Almere, where she officially opened AAP’s new Mammal Building. This sustainable, future-proofed facility is an important step forward in the rescue and care of small ‘exotic’ mammals. With its smart climate control, more space for rescued animals, and flexible enclosures, we can now care for these animals even better.
Up until now, small animals at AAP were housed in an old greenhouse. But after more than 30 years of intensive use, this structure no longer met modern standards, and its condition was deteriorating.
Over the past couple of years, we have therefore worked hard to develop our new facility, which will serve small mammals such as common marmosets, sugar gliders, suricates and ring-tailed lemurs. The new building ensures we are well prepared to meet the demand for specialised rescue capacity, which we unfortunately expect to remain high for many years to come.
A warm welcome
Queen Máxima arrived at 11:00 at our rescue centre based in Almere. She was accompanied by the King’s Commissioner Arjen Gerritsen and the Mayor of Almere, Hein van der Loo. Together, they received a warm welcome from AAP’s Erik Peeters (Director) and Eva Schippers (Head of Rescue & Rehabilitation), alongside other AAP staff, a group of donors, and other invited guests.
After speeches by Erik Peeters and Eva Schippers at our visitor centre, the group moved to the new Mammal Building.
In the presence of members of the press and invited guests, the official opening ceremony took place. At the push of a button, a curtain dropped, revealing the façade and formally opening the building.
Guided tour
After the opening, the Queen was given a tour of the new facility. We showed her the various tailor-made enclosures and shared the remarkable stories of the animals in our care, including that of sugar glider Draco. He had been living with eight others in a small cage under a staircase. In the new Mammal Building, he now resides in an enclosure designed specifically to suit his natural behaviour and needs. For example, sugar gliders like to sleep huddled together in hammocks and move via branches, as they rarely come down to the ground in the wild.
Every species – from servals to ring-tailed lemurs and kinkajous – has a customised enclosure. There is also a dedicated space for degus, which are particularly sensitive to draughts and prone to health issues.
A royal milestone
The opening of the new Mammal Building by Queen Máxima marks a significant milestone for AAP:“AAP works with great dedication every day to protect exotic mammals from suffering. The presence of Queen Máxima shines a special spotlight on our work. We are therefore extremely proud and grateful for her visit.”
Discussions about AAP’s work
Following the tour, Queen Máxima took part in round-table discussions with a number of AAP staff members, including animal carers, a veterinarian, a behavioural biologist, volunteers and rescue coordinators. The Queen showed great interest in their stories and in AAP’s expertise.
Finally, a group photograph was taken with Queen Máxima and all invited guests, after which the Queen, the King’s Commissioner and the Mayor departed.
Looking ahead
The first animals have already moved into the new building, and many more will follow soon. The new facility enables us to provide the very best care for these animals, both now and in the future.
On behalf of everyone at AAP, we would like to once again express our sincere thanks to Queen Máxima for her presence.
