In the middle of the forests of Arnhem, you’ll find one of the most unique zoos in Europe: Koninklijke Burgers’ Zoo . Since 1913, this family-owned business has been surprising millions of visitors each year with unique eco-displays where animals live together in natural habitats. Behind the scenes, the park is just as innovative as it appears at first glance – and that also applies to the way they manage their payment processes.
Koninklijke Burgers’ Zoo attracts millions of visitors each year. This calls for an organisation that runs smoothly: from ticket sales to catering, and from retail outlets to events. “In the past ten years, we have made great strides in automating processes,” says Sjef van Keulen, CFO of Koninklijke Burgers’ Zoo. “Our park is constantly evolving. This also requires a flexible and future-proof approach to payments.”
With so many visitors and various payment moments spread throughout the park, there was a clear need for oversight, flexibility, and scalability. Think of fixed payment terminals at entrances, mobile terminals during events, and digital payments in restaurants and shops. All payment flows must be easy to manage without compromising on ease of use or reliability.
Sjef: “When we have a large event at the Safari Meeting Centre, we turn to Buckaroo to quickly scale up with mobile payment terminals. This must be done quickly and reliably.”
Koninklijke Burgers’ Zoo wanted to work with a partner that offers more than just technology. “We are a family business and look for partners who truly think along with us. Not someone who simply delivers a box with a payment terminal and leaves, but a partner with whom we can connect and build.”
“You need a payment partner with a forward-looking vision. The steps we’ve taken with Buckaroo feel right. As long as they stay ahead, we’re happy to continue working with them.”
The collaboration has brought peace of mind to operations. Sjef: “We know that if anything comes up, we can call Buckaroo. They think ahead and solve problems quickly.” This makes it easier for the team to focus on the visitor experience and innovation, rather than on technical details.
Although online ticket sales are handled by an external party, Buckaroo ensures that offline payments seamlessly match the park’s professional image. The combination of fixed and mobile terminals within the park also runs smoothly thanks to the flexibility of the solutions.
In the spring of 2025, Koninklijke Burgers’ Zoo was introduced to Buckaroo through ABN AMRO. The connection was immediate. “From the very beginning, the relationship manager was a point of contact we could rely on. Clear, transparent, and solution-oriented,” says Sjef.
Buckaroo now supports the park with a complete payment solution, including:
As one of the most forward-thinking zoos in Europe, Royal Burgers’ Zoo is always looking ahead. From sustainability to technological innovation – and modern payment solutions are part of that vision. The collaboration with Buckaroo is therefore seen as a strategic foundation for the years to come.
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