Hof van Eckberge: “Novo Mundo” Area with New Animal Presentation

(eap) The Dutch animal and leisure park Hof van Eckberge, which presented its first themed area, “Novo Mundo”, last year, is welcoming new animal residents: two capybaras have found their new home in the South America-inspired realm.

© Photo: Hof van Eckberge A new enclosure has been created for the pair, who are now, in an initial phase, under the supervision of the animal care team, getting used both to one another and to their new surroundings. In the outdoor area, the animals, which spend a large part of their lives in and around water, have direct access to a pond. Extensive planting is intended to reflect the natural habitat of the South American rodents and provide them with retreat areas. “During the acclimatisation phase, part of our pond is accessible. In the long term, the animals will have access to the entire 1,500-square-metre swimming pond as well as the bank areas,” explains Tim Reimes, biologist and curator at the park.

Visitors can observe the capybaras both in the indoor and outdoor enclosure as they explore the Peruvian themed world surrounding coffee production (read also our article on “Novo Mundo” in EAP issue no. 4/2025). The arrival of the animals forms part of the further development of the regional animal and leisure park. Hof van Eckberge is already planning to begin another major construction project this autumn – details are to be announced shortly.

More information on landscape design and planting concepts in leisure parks and attractions can be found in the two-part EAP topic special, published in issues 2/2026 & 3/2026. ■