The zoo business was initially a success, but gradually slowed down as World War II approached.

Displays in this museum included animatronic dinosaurs, fossilized animals, a tree shrew habitat, and a butterfly pavilion.

[4] Standing at 3 acres, the exhibit was home to the zoo's white rhinoceroses, giraffes, antelope, ostriches, and zebras.

[6] The city council of Emmen approved the construction of a completely new zoo, the Wildlands, which is expected to draw 1.3 million visitors annually.

[7][8] The 2012 Dutch National Time Trial Championships for professionals and elite women's started in the zoo beside the African savanna.