Westerman, Gerardus Frederik |
| ZOO DIRECTOR (NETHERLANDS) |
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BORN 8 Dec 1807, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland - DIED 9 May 1890, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland GRAVE LOCATION Amsterdam, Noord-Holland: Nieuwe Oosterbegraafplaats, Kruislaan 126 (01-36-012/013) |
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Gerardus Westerman was the son of Marten Westerman, who was the manager of the City Theatre in Amsterdam for a while. Father and son worked together as publishers and booksellers. In 1838 he was one of the three founders of the Koninklijk Zoölogisch Genootschap Natura Artis Magistra, which became the zoo now known as Artis. They bought a piece of land in the Plantage neighourhood, then a green area. Buildings and a garden were created and Westerman became its first official director in 1849. Initially it could only be visited by the members who financed Artis together, but from 1852 onwards non members were allowed to visit the zoo during the month September. In 1859 a house for wild animals was added and in 1882 an aquarium that was world famous at the time. After he died in 1890 he was succeeded by Coenraad Kerbert. Westerman was married to Maria Eleonora van der Schroeff (1812-1892). Related persons • was painted by Schwartze, Thérèse |
| Images |
 The grave of Gerardus Frederik Westerman at Nieuwe Ooster cemetery, Amsterdam. Picture by Androom (23 May 2008) |
