Paris Zoological Park

The Parc Zoologique de Paris, commonly known as the Zoo de Vincennes, is one of the main attractions of the French capital for nature and wildlife lovers. Located in the 12th arrondissement of Paris, inside the Bois de Vincennes, the park covers an area of 14.5 hectares and houses around 2,000 animals belonging to over 180 different species. Inaugurated in 1934, the zoo underwent a significant renovation between 2008 and 2014, transforming the site into a modern center for conservation and environmental education. The original project of the park was conceived by Charles Letrosne and was the first zoo in the world designed with the philosophy of creating environments as natural as possible for the animals. The architects and engineers of the time used the hilly terrain and landscape features to build enclosures that replicated the natural habitats of the species housed. One of the most iconic elements of the park is the Grande Roccia, a 65-meter-high artificial mountain that offers a breathtaking view of the park and the city of Paris. The recent renovation aimed at improving animal welfare and visitor education. The new park design is organized into five biozones representing different ecosystems of the world: Patagonia, the Sahelo-Saharan Savanna, Europe, Guyana, and Madagascar. Each biozone is designed to offer animals spacious areas and environmental enrichments that stimulate their natural behaviors. In the Patagonia biozone, visitors can observe Humboldt penguins, guanacos, and rheas in environments that reproduce the rocky coasts and steppes of the South American region. The Sahelo-Saharan Savanna biozone hosts large African mammals such as giraffes, lions, zebras, and rhinoceroses, offering a glimpse of life on the African plains. The European biozone includes animals typical of our latitudes, such as European wolves and bison, in scenarios reminiscent of temperate forests. One of the most fascinating areas is undoubtedly the Guyana biozone, where visitors can admire jaguars, howler monkeys, and tapirs, immersed in an accurate reconstruction of the South American rainforest. Finally, the Madagascar biozone is dedicated to the extraordinary biodiversity of the African island, with lemurs, chameleons, and giant tortoises living in environments that simulate the forests and deserts of the island. In addition to species conservation, the Parc Zoologique de Paris is strongly committed to environmental education. The park regularly organizes educational activities, workshops, and guided tours for schools and families, aiming to raise awareness among visitors about the importance of conserving biodiversity and protecting natural habitats. Park educators use various interactive tools to explain animal behaviors and the threats they face in their natural habitat. An interesting anecdote concerns the birth of some lion cubs in 2017, an event that attracted media attention and represented a success for the park’s breeding program. These types of events not only contribute to the conservation of endangered species but also offer a unique opportunity for visitors to see animals up close in special moments of their lives. The Parc Zoologique de Paris collaborates with numerous international organizations for the conservation of wildlife, participating in breeding and reintroduction programs for endangered species. One of the most significant projects is the Andean condor reintroduction program, which has seen the release of several individuals born in captivity into the wild. A visit to the Parc Zoologique de Paris is enriched by modern facilities and services for visitors, including restaurants, cafes, and picnic areas. Children’s play areas and themed trails offer a fun and educational experience for the whole family. The park is easily accessible by public transport, thanks to the proximity of metro line 8 (Porte Dorée stop) and bus lines connecting the park to the center of Paris.