Paris Zoo (Parc Zoologique de Paris)

The Paris Zoo is vastly improved after 6 years of renovations

A young giraffe welcomes visitors to Parc Zoologique de Vincennes
A young giraffe welcomes visitors to Parc Zoologique de Vincennes cc licensed photo by spacejulien

For those who love animals and care about the environment the Paris Zoo is a wonderful place to visit. There is so much to see and do that one should expect to spend at least half a day there. The idea of the zoo started in 1931 when exotic animals were put on display in a temporary zoo during an exhibition. It was such a success that over five million people excitedly came to gawk at the animals between May-November. This obvious demanding interest started the idea of setting up a permanent zoo. So, in 1934, the Paris Zoo got its start.

The zoo's features and facilities begun to quickly deteriorate in the early 1980s and a renovation plan became a pressing need. Many of the features had to eventually be closed off to visitors at the zoo and animals were relocated as the zoo's enclosures and facilities could no longer accommodate them. In November 30th 2008 the zoo closed its doors to the public for major renovations. The zoo was reopened April 12 2014 after being closed for nearly six years.

Now the zoo has wonderful new buildings with the best conditions and comfort to accommodate 1000 animals. There are 180 different species from five different regions of the world and sixteen natural environments. It took animal scientists several years of studying animal welfare to know what animals they could successfully house in the zoo before it opened. The Paris Zoo is the only zoo in the world to be completely be renovated.

Today you can enjoy watching the happy animals that benefited from all that hard research and physical work by strolling along the completely updated pathway with its nearly one hundred benches to sit down and rest on.

The Zoo has something for everyone. You can sign up for one of the paid guided tours where there is an educational theme that teaches the importance of water for our environment to life plus learn about the park and the many animals and other living creatures. You can also arrange to go to the zoo before opening and help feed the giraffes their breakfast or watch the feeding of the lions, plus other animals.

The Zoo has two picnic areas for those who like to bring their own lunch or some restaurants for those who would rather not.

There is a gift shop for the whole family to appreciate and bring home special souvenirs including educational books and toys for the younger ones in the group.

The Paris Zoo has wheelchair loans and is completely wheelchair accessible plus they do accommodate other disabilities such as hearing and vision impairments as they highly want to promote access for everyone to enjoy their experience.

Nearby attractions: Bois de Vincennes, Château de Vincennes and Palais de la Porte Doree - (Tropical Aquarium)

Facts For Your Visit

Official Website: Paris Zoo (Parc Zoologique de Paris)

Fee: Yes

Open Now

Regular Hours:
Hours may be subject to change. Please verify on the official website.

  • Monday: 9:30 am - 8:30 pm
  • Tuesday: 9:30 am - 8:30 pm
  • Wednesday: 9:30 am - 8:30 pm
  • Thursday: 9:30 am - 8:30 pm
  • Friday: 9:30 am - 8:30 pm
  • Saturday: 9:30 am - 8:30 pm
  • Sunday: 9:30 am - 8:30 pm

Category: Zoos

Address: 15 avenue Daumesnil
75012 Paris
France

Phone: +33 1 44 75 20 10

Reviews

Yelp Rating:
3.5 out of 5 3.5 Star Rating
Based on 49 Reviews.

See all reviews on Yelp

4 Star Rating Not very big but it's really modern since it was closed for 5 years and they recently reopened it. you might think this place is expensive compared to a zoo... Read More

Dennis D. Apr-17-2016

1 Star Rating Horrible example of French hospitality!!! We have 2 French citizens & 4 tourists. We accidentally bought 1 extra ticket, and realized it BEFORE THEY HANDED... Read More

Jeremy V. Aug-02-2023

3 Star Rating Not a bad big city zoo. Admission is online with zoos of this caliber. Animals seem well cared for. Some unique animals not seen at every zoo (e.g.,... Read More

Daniel K. Dec-29-2022

Accommodations near Paris Zoo (Parc Zoologique de Paris):

Directions

Metro / RER Line Nearest Station Walking Time
M1Saint-Mandé‎16 minutes
M8Porte Dorée12 minutes

How to get to Paris Zoo (Parc Zoologique de Paris) by Metro / RER

By Metro: From Metro Line 1 exit at Saint-Mandé Station and walk straight south along Avenue du General de Gaulle.

From Metro Line 8 exit at Porte Dorée Station via Boulevard Poniatowsky and walk southeast along Edourd Renard Place and continue on Avenue Daumesnil to the zoo entrance.

Map & Instant Route Finder

Click&Go Map and Route Finder with public transit, walking, driving or cycling directions. Get up-to-the-minute transit times for your route.

Load Interactive Map
Finding Your Route - Please Wait

Photo Gallery

Video


Check out the cute and exotic critters in this HD video of the newly refurbished Paris Zoo

Visiting Paris?
Here's why we use Booking.com for our hotel bookings.
Best Selection
Daily Deals
Price Matching
Pay at the Hotel
24/7 Support
Share on Pinterest
Share on Pinterest
Help us grow! Please Share
Thanks for Visiting!