ARTIS Zoo in Amsterdam Achieves Landmark Urban Night Sky Place Recognition for Nocturnal Darkness Protection

ARTIS Zoo has been certified as an Urban Night Sky Place by DarkSky International, becoming the first location in the heart of a European capital and the first zoo globally to receive this designation. This recognition highlights the zoo's commitment to reducing light pollution and preserving natural darkness for both its animals and the public.

ARTIS Zoo has achieved a landmark certification as an Urban Night Sky Place from DarkSky International, a pioneering recognition for a European capital city location and the first ever for a zoo worldwide. This award underscores ARTIS's dedication to combating light pollution, establishing itself as an oasis of natural darkness amidst the urban landscape of Amsterdam. The zoo's commitment is crucial for the wellbeing of its diverse animal population, ensuring they have essential periods of natural darkness for rest and healthy biological rhythms, and also benefits urban wildlife. This initiative by ARTIS aims to raise public awareness about the pervasive issue of light pollution, which disrupts ecosystems and affects both animal and human health. As an ambassador for darkness, ARTIS will host special evening activities starting this winter, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience the night through all senses and reconnect with the stars, even within the city. The certification reinforces the understanding that even in densely populated urban environments, the protection of natural darkness is achievable and vital for biodiversity and human health.