Reptile Zoo Iguana, Vlissingen

Reptile Zoo Iguana is a foundation that shelters and exhibits reptiles, amphibians and arthropods.

The foundation was established in 1981 and is housed at Bellamypark in Vlissingen, in the Dutch province of Zeeland. On May 19, 1982, the shelter was opened to the public. The animals come from the ports and airports, among other places. There they are confiscated if they are smuggled into the Netherlands illegally. Furthermore, the animals come from private individuals who have discarded the animals because they no longer want to or can no longer take care of them. The objectives of the Iguana Foundation are: To open and maintain the Reptile Zoo Iguana. To protect Reptiles, Amphibians and Invertebrates. To act as a shelter for the above animals.

The animals are initially held in quarantine. An attempt is made to return the animals to the country/area they came from. If that fails, they are offered to institutions such as zoos and are exhibited. A number of animals also remain in Vlissingen. This permanent exhibition of live animals attracts many thousands of visitors each year. The Reptile Zoo is regularly in the news with the captive births of special animals. The largest animal is a net python of over six meters. Other snakes, crocodiles, lizards, turtles, amphibians and a variety of invertebrates are also on display.