Gardener

The green spaces team is made up of six people, plus trainees and seasonal workers. On a daily basis, we look after the Park's plants (planting, watering, pruning, mowing, etc.), both inside and outside the enclosures. We are also responsible for distributing certain edible plants (cut leaves, fruit, etc.) to the caretakers, which are used to feed the animals: papayas are given to the toucans, maple or lime leaves to the giraffes, banana leaves to the tapirs, etc.

Our knowledge also enables us to discuss with vets whether certain plant species can be toxic for animals.

Many interactions between the animal and plant worlds can be observed, particularly in the Tropical Greenhouse, which boasts almost 4,000 plants of some 130 species. Ants live in symbiosis with a tree, the Cecropia, whose leaves can also be eaten by two-toed sloths. 

The Vacoa tree is an ideal habitat for Madagascar's geckos: its leaves act as water reservoirs for the lizards and provide them with food by trapping insects. Another example: the fibres of the leaves of the small Chamaedorea palm are used by birds (roseate spoonbills, red ibises, etc.) to make their nests!

Here, plants are not just decorative elements: they have other functions, as they can be used to feed or care for the animals. 

The vegetation also plays a key role in the design of the enclosures: it must allow the animals to hide if they wish, to respect their well-being, while leaving enough "windows" for the public to see them. It's all about finding the right balance!

We must also take into account the harmlessness of the flowers, fruit and leaves for animals and visitors. 

Finally, in a park whose objective is to preserve biodiversity, the upkeep of green spaces is carried out responsibly, limiting the use of pesticides, herbicides, etc.