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

Fee: Yes

Paris Zoo (Parc Zoologique de Paris) Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays

  • Monday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Thursday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Friday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Saturday: 9:30 AM – 7:30 PM
  • Sunday: 9:30 AM – 7:30 PM

Address: Av. Daumesnil, 75012 Paris, France

Phone: 01 44 75 20 00

Official Website: Paris Zoo (Parc Zoologique de Paris)

Paris Zoo (Parc Zoologique de Paris) Reviews

Rated 4.3 out of 5 Star Rating

4 Star Rating Was long places to wait for food. Vending machines didn't work. Good range of animals. Should cap a number of people allowed to go inside the tropical bit and the place where the birds are. As too many people is very hard to get around. Makes it over crowded and not enjoyable.
JoJo Durndell - 2 weeks ago

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5 Star Rating Incredible zoo to visit , been to Paris multiple times and this is our first time visiting the zoo and it did not disappoint , the animals were amazing and the enclosures are built for easy viewing and you are able to get up close with them, i was 10 inches away from a puma and maybe 6 foot away from a lion! It was incredible
Stephen E - 4 weeks ago

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4 Star Rating The Zoo is very beautiful and organised. The map(posted below) really helps along the complete route. It takes around 3-4 hours maximum to traverse along all the animals including having your lunch. There are two cafeterias to have lunch in. And it is divided into several Regions.
Rahul Agarwal - 5 months ago

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5 Star Rating There is a small zoo, and you can get from the center by metro. The animals look well-groomed, clean and well-fed, I liked the greenhouse and the birds.
Stima Blade - 3 weeks ago

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4 Star Rating The zoo is very beautiful and well-maintained. The rare animals, especially the marine ones, are a delight to see. The zoo is well-indicated, and the animals seem happy and well-cared for. However, I noticed that the baboon monkeys seemed to be in need of more vegetation in their enclosure. I hope the zoo administration will consider addressing this issue. The Amazon corner of the zoo is particularly impressive and well-designed.
SAMIHOUSSEMEDDINE BABOUCHE - 8 months ago

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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.

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