Petting zoo celebrates reopening: "We're starting fresh"

The children's farm in Amsterdam's Westerpark has officially celebrated its grand reopening after undergoing extensive renovations over the past three years. The site had been plagued by hygiene issues, pest infestations, and structural decay, prompting a complete overhaul of the facilities. Chairman Ed van Cortenberghe noted that the improvements include replacing rotten posts, fixing pastures, and creating a more accessible entrance path for visitors. The farm now features a refreshed environment designed to operate safely and cleanly moving forward.

While the previous pigs, Jeroen and Joost, were permanently relocated to Amstelpark during the construction, the farm has introduced a new, smaller, and more social breed of pigs that guests can interact with. The facility also houses various other animals, including sheep, goats, chickens, and pheasants. Stadsdeelbestuurder Daniëlle de Jager is scheduled to attend the reopening festivities, which were held in conjunction with World Animal Day to mark the fresh start for the popular community location.