The Zoo's history

The zoo quickly became a great success with the Parisian public, who could admire exotic animals, particularly large mammals (elephants, giraffes, rhinoceroses, etc.) in a "natural" setting. Many endangered species are on show, as well as species that are rare in captivity: okapi (Okapia johnstoni), kouprey (Bos sauveli), elephant seal (Mirounga sp.), giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca), etc. In the lemur house, visitors can meet nocturnal lemurs, some species of which, such as the Great Hapalemur (Prolemur simus), are highly endangered.

By the early 1980s, the facilities were showing signs of wear and tear and the need for work was becoming apparent. In 1994, the Grand Rocher was renovated. Then, from 2002 to 2004, the Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle took what were known as "conservatory" measures, for safety reasons. Facilities were closed and animals transferred to other establishments. In 2005, the Park entered a phase of renovation. The presentation of animals in environments that evoke their original ecosystems, respect for their well-being and visitor immersion have guided the architectural and landscaping developments of the Parc zoologique de Paris. Mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates: some 180 species and more than 2,000 animals offer you a genuine world tour of animal biodiversity.

A place for raising awareness and educating people about preserving biodiversity, it is now a modern facility for conserving and protecting species and promoting living animal collections. The scenography focuses on animal welfare, allowing you to observe and discover the wild behaviour of the animals: immersed in the heart of five biozones, you will discover the animals in an environment that is as close as possible to their natural surroundings. 

A place for relaxation and leisure, the Parc zoologique de Paris is also a fun place for discovery and learning, accessible to all: families with young children, senior citizens, disabled visitors, visitors with social difficulties, etc. Finally, it is also a place for research and expertise in a wide range of specialist fields: veterinary science, conservation biology, behaviour, reproduction, evolutionary biology, conservation psychology, mediation, etc.

The Parc zoologique de Paris puts animals at the heart of its approach, presenting species in environments that evoke their original ecosystems, respecting their well-being and allowing you to be immersed in their natural surroundings. The zoo is home to emblematic species (giraffes and wolves), lesser-known species (gluttons and manatees), threatened species involved in European breeding programmes (Humboldt penguins and crowned sifaka) and species involved in international conservation programmes (lemurs and white rhinoceroses). The animal species represented at the Parc zoologique de Paris were selected on the basis of their attractiveness, educational and scientific value, and in accordance with the conservation criteria of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).