Deltapark Neeltje Jans has reached another remarkable milestone: the successful breeding of cuttlefish from eggs laid by their own offspring! For years, “Grandma Cuttlefish” played a special role in this achievement. She passed away on August 4, 2025, at the age of 3, making her the oldest cuttlefish in the Netherlands. In the wild, cuttlefish typically live only one to two years and die shortly after laying their eggs.
This achievement is unique among European zoos and aquariums. Not only were the cuttlefish born in the park, but they also laid eggs themselves. This offers a special experience for visitors and provides valuable insights for marine biologists.
The breeding program is part of a broader goal: restoring the natural cuttlefish population in the Oosterschelde. In recent years, their numbers and average size have declined significantly. The plan is to release young cuttlefish into the Oosterschelde in the future, contributing actively to the conservation of the species.
“Our cuttlefish show just how surprising nature can be, and how much we still have to learn about these fascinating animals that live, among other places, in our Oosterschelde,” says Madelon van der Maas, head animal caretaker at Deltapark Neeltje Jans.
Visitors can admire the cuttlefish up close in the Bluereef Aquarium, which also features other inhabitants of the Oosterschelde. In this way, education is uniquely combined with nature conservation.
Deltapark Neeltje Jans
Deltapark Neeltje Jans is a park located by the sea on the artificial island of Neeltje Jans, which borders both the North Sea and the Oosterschelde, along the coast of Zeeland. The park focuses on fun and education with and about water.