[1] The zoo is located on the Laarschenberg, a "mountain" that makes up the south-eastern tip of the great Utrecht Hill Ridge.

In addition to chickens (his primary livestock), Ouwehand kept a number of other animals as well, including raccoons, peafowl and pheasants, quickly drawing public interest.

The park's commercial success had an unintended side-effect, as, prior to the outbreak of World War II, the Dutch government had attempted to secure its defenses against a German invasion.

But further expansion was prevented by the municipality; some larger and more expensive animals, including hippos, elephants, orangutans, gorillas, and chimpanzees, were relocated due to lack of funding or space.

Upon acquiring the zoo, Boekhoorn invested in new accommodations for the lions, tigers, polar bears and elephants, and built playgrounds for visitors' children as well as a new restaurant.