Does Paris Have a Zoo?

By Alice Nichols

If you’re planning a trip to Paris and are an animal lover, you might be wondering whether Paris has a zoo. Well, the answer is yes! In fact, Paris has not just one but two zoos for you to explore.

Parc Zoologique de Paris

The first and most popular zoo in Paris is the Parc Zoologique de Paris, commonly known as the Zoo de Vincennes. This zoo was opened in 1934 and is located in the Bois de Vincennes park in the 12th arrondissement of Paris. It covers an area of over 14 hectares and is home to over 2000 animals from around 180 different species.

Attractions at the Zoo de Vincennes

Some of the main attractions at this zoo include:

  • African plain: Featuring giraffes, zebras, ostriches, antelopes, and more
  • Panthera house: Showcasing big cats such as lions, tigers, leopards, and jaguars
  • Tropical greenhouse: Housing a variety of reptiles and amphibians in a simulated rainforest environment
  • Oceanian area: Featuring animals from Australia and New Zealand such as kangaroos, wallabies, emus, and koalas
  • The Great Apes house: Home to gorillas, orangutans, chimpanzees and bonobos – some of our closest relatives on earth!

Zoo Aquarium de Paris

The second zoo in Paris is the Zoo Aquarium de Paris. As its name suggests, this zoo is not just a traditional land-based zoo but also features an aquarium with various marine creatures.

The Zoo Aquarium opened in 1931 and is located in the Jardin des Plantes. Spread over 5.5 hectares, it is home to around 10,000 animals from over 600 different species.

Attractions at the Zoo Aquarium de Paris

Some of the main attractions at this zoo and aquarium include:

  • The Grand Rocher: A large rock-like structure that houses various primates such as lemurs, gibbons, and mandrills
  • The Big Cats house: Featuring lions, tigers, jaguars, and more
  • The Great Barrier Reef exhibit: A large aquarium showcasing marine creatures such as sharks, turtles, rays, and colorful fish
  • The Amazonian greenhouse: A simulated rainforest environment housing various reptiles and amphibians from South America
  • The Madagascar exhibit: Featuring animals unique to Madagascar such as the fossa (a carnivorous mammal) and lemurs.

In conclusion,

Paris has not just one but two great zoos for you to explore. Whether you’re interested in land-based animals or marine creatures – or both – there’s something for everyone at these zoos. So if you’re planning a trip to Paris anytime soon, make sure to add a visit to one of these zoos to your itinerary!