Vincennes Zoo
Europe,
France,
citta,
XII arrondissement
The Vincennes Zoo, officially known as Parc Zoologique de Paris, is a historical and scientific institution located in the twelfth arrondissement of Paris, near the Bois de Vincennes. Founded in 1934, this zoo was the first in France to be conceived as a “modern zoological park”, with the aim of offering an immersive educational and naturalistic experience to visitors. The park covers an area of 14.5 hectares and houses over 180 different species, offering a journey through various ecosystems and habitats of the world.
The creation of the Vincennes Zoo was part of a broader urban and scientific renewal project aimed at modernizing existing zoological facilities and promoting scientific research. The project was led by Charles Hummel and Léon Parvillée, under the direction of the National Museum of Natural History. The innovative idea was to go beyond the traditional concept of a “zoo garden”, characterized by cages and enclosures, to create an environment that reproduced as faithfully as possible the natural habitats of the animals. This pioneering approach was inspired by the zoos of Berlin and London, but with a unique imprint that integrated the natural landscape of the Bois de Vincennes.
One of the most distinctive features of the Vincennes Zoo is the Grande Roccia, an artificial structure 65 meters high that dominates the park. This artificial “mountain”, designed to host colonies of seabirds and other animals, has become a symbol of the park and a landmark visible from various parts of Paris. Its construction represented an engineering challenge for the time and symbolized the park’s commitment to innovation and environmental education.
Over the years, the zoo has undergone various transformations and renovations. In the 1990s, the original facilities began to show signs of wear, and a modernization intervention was necessary. After a long period of closure for renovation works, the zoo reopened to the public in 2014 with a new layout and improved infrastructure. The renovation, led by Bernard Tschumi and Jacqueline Osty, transformed the park into a modern conservation and research center, while maintaining its original spirit.
The Vincennes Zoo is organized into five biozones, each representing a different ecosystem of the planet: Patagonia, Savanna-Sahel, Europe, Guyana, and Madagascar. This division allows visitors to immerse themselves in natural environments reconstructed with great attention to detail, observing animals in their almost natural habitat. The biozones host a wide range of species, from Patagonian penguins to Savanna lions, from Madagascar lemurs to European wolves.
The park plays a crucial role in the conservation of endangered species. By participating in international breeding and reintroduction programs, the zoo contributes to the protection and safeguarding of biodiversity. Some notable examples include the breeding program for the Amur leopard, one of the most endangered feline species in the world, and the project for the reintroduction of the European bison into its natural habitats. These efforts demonstrate the park’s commitment to promoting conservation and scientific research.
An interesting aspect of the zoo’s history is its role during World War II. During the German occupation, the zoo remained open and continued to fulfill its educational and scientific function, despite the difficulties and constraints of the period. This testifies to the institution’s resilience and its constant commitment to promoting knowledge and the protection of animals.
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