Pairi Daiza Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids
Pairi Daiza (before Paradisio)
View of the park
Date opened	1993
Location	Hainaut, Belgium
Land area	55 hectares (140 acres)
Coordinates	50°35′5″N 3°53′14″E / 50.58472°N 3.88722°E / 50.58472; 3.88722
No. of animals	5,000
Annual visitors	900,000 (2009)
Memberships	EAZA, ISIS
Website	www.pairidaiza.eu/fr

Pairi Daiza (which used to be called Paradisio) is a huge zoo and botanical garden in Hainaut, Belgium. It's a private park that covers about 55 hectares, which is like 136 acres! This amazing place is home to around 5,000 animals. It's owned by a company called Pairi Daiza Belgium SA.

Pairi Daiza is more than just a zoo. It's designed to look like different parts of the world. You can explore areas that feel like China, Africa, or even the frozen lands of the Arctic. This makes visiting the park a real adventure!

Discovering Pairi Daiza's Worlds
Animals and Conservation
- Meet the Animals
  - Giant Pandas
  - Elephants and Rhinos
Activities and Attractions
- Gardens and Plants
Visiting Pairi Daiza
Related pages
Images for kids
See also

Discovering Pairi Daiza's Worlds

Pairi Daiza is famous for its beautiful gardens and special areas. Each area is designed to match the animals living there. It's like traveling around the globe without leaving Belgium!

The Kingdom of the Cold

This area is home to animals that love chilly weather. You can see amazing creatures like polar bears and penguins. They live in habitats that look just like their natural homes. It's a great way to learn about animals from cold places.

The Land of the Dragon

Step into the Land of the Dragon and you'll feel like you're in China. This part of the park has beautiful Chinese gardens and temples. It's where you can find giant pandas, which are very rare and special animals. They are one of the biggest attractions at Pairi Daiza.

The Land of Africa

In the Land of Africa, you can see animals from the African continent. Imagine watching giraffes, zebras, and rhinos. The park has worked hard to create spaces that feel like the African savanna. You might even spot a lion!

The Land of the Rising Sun

This section is inspired by Japan. It features peaceful Japanese gardens with calm ponds and traditional buildings. It's a quiet place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.

The Mersus Emergo

The Mersus Emergo is a unique part of Pairi Daiza. It's a giant ship that looks like it's been shipwrecked. Inside, you'll find an aquarium with many different kinds of fish and sea creatures. It's a fun way to explore underwater worlds.

Animals and Conservation

Pairi Daiza is home to a huge variety of animals. From tiny birds to giant elephants, there's always something new to see. The park is part of important programs that help protect endangered species. They work with organizations like EAZA (European Association of Zoos and Aquaria) to make sure animals are cared for and can thrive.

Meet the Animals

You can see many different animals at Pairi Daiza. There are playful monkeys, majestic snow leopards, and even cute koalas. The park tries to give each animal plenty of space. They also make sure the animals have things to do, just like they would in the wild.

Giant Pandas

Pairi Daiza is one of the few zoos in the world to have giant pandas. These beautiful bears are a symbol of conservation. The park has special enclosures designed just for them. Watching them eat bamboo is a truly unique experience.

Elephants and Rhinos

The park has a large herd of elephants, including baby elephants! You can often see them playing in their spacious habitats. Rhinos also live at Pairi Daiza, and sometimes you can even see a baby rhino with its mother.

Activities and Attractions

Pairi Daiza offers many activities for visitors of all ages. Kids especially love the different play areas and interactive exhibits. The park often has special events and shows throughout the year.

Gardens and Plants

Besides animals, Pairi Daiza is also a botanical garden. This means it has many different types of plants and trees. The gardens are beautifully designed and are a big part of the park's charm. You can see plants from all over the world, matching the themes of each area.

Visiting Pairi Daiza

Pairi Daiza first opened its doors in 1993. Since then, it has grown into one of Belgium's most popular attractions. In 2009, nearly a million people visited the park! It's a great place for families and anyone who loves animals and nature.