# Zoo and petting zoo funding in Belgium and Netherlands > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/zoo-and-petting-zoo-funding-in-belgium-and-netherlands > Updated: 2026-10-26T17:42:51.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2. Regional petting zoos in the Netherlands and Belgium are facing operational challenges. In Alkmaar, the De Rekerhout petting zoo is requesting 300,000 euros from its local municipality to repair structural issues such as leaking roofs and aging buildings, while also seeking to modernize for better accessibility and nature education. In West Flanders, multiple petting zoos are collaborating to recruit volunteers for animal care and maintenance. In a larger institutional context in Belgium, the Flemish government has announced a budget reallocation to support Antwerp Zoo and Planckendael. Between 2027 and 2029, these facilities will receive 2 million euros annually, totaling 6 million euros, transferred from the mobility budget to the tourism budget. While this covers approximately 59 percent of a previously announced 3.4 million euro annual reduction, the Royal Zoological Society Antwerp (KMDA) still faces an annual funding gap of 1.4 million euros, necessitating cost-cutting measures and staff layoffs. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-26: Flanders government allocates €2 million annually to Antwerp Zoo and Planckendael Flanders will provide €2 million annually to Antwerp Zoo and Planckendael from 2027 to 2029 to offset budget cuts, though the operator warns layoffs remain necessary. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/flanders-government-allocates-2-million-annually-to-antwerp-zoo-and-planckendael ### 2026-10-26: Regional petting zoos seek funding and volunteers Petting zoos in Alkmaar and West Flanders are seeking 300,000 euros for renovations and recruiting volunteers through specialized training to support animal care and educational programs. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/regional-petting-zoos-seek-funding-and-volunteers --- Cite as: Zoo and petting zoo funding in Belgium and Netherlands. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/zoo-and-petting-zoo-funding-in-belgium-and-netherlands