Paris Zoo (Parc Zoologique de Paris)
The Paris Zoo is vastly improved after 6 years of renovations
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: YesParis Zoo (Parc Zoologique de Paris) Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 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 out of 5
Brillant zoo. Lovely enclosures, staff were very helpful. All animals looked well maintained. Terrible weather and the zoo closed for safety and we were given a full refund. Didnt make the gift shop so my teddy collection is short 🤣 great morning out no crowds
Laura Grieve - in the last week
We have spent 3 hours exploring the zoo. We enjoyed our time. The zoo route is clear and guides u easily between animals. It contains a good variety of animals & birds. It could have been great if there were an elephant and bear.
A recommendation for sure!
Rana O. - 3 months ago
An amazing Zoo, with many animals and a lot to exploreMy favorite points were:
The big bird aviary where the bird can fly over, next you.
The tropical greenhouse
The savannah area where only a water feature and electric fence seems to separate visitors from the animals.
Vincent M - 2 weeks ago
On our holiday trip to Paris we visited the Paris zoo. I must say the experience was a delight. Plenty of animals in their closures. We specifically liked rhinos and giraffes. Restaurants in the area were spacious, clean and modern. The staff was friendly. I’m definitely going to visit there again
Jani Hukkanen - 3 months ago
great experience, a zoo in the heart of Paris. We visit to check the penguins and we are very happy that all the animals are active and not lonely unlike other zoo. Staff are very welcoming and kind to visitors. There’s a big souvenirs shop also inside, some staff will ask you to avail photos as souvenirs its a good idea. For its price i would say its worth it. The facility is clean! make sure you book ticket online
Ann Reyes - 2 months ago
Directions
| Metro / RER Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| M1 | Saint-Mandé | 16 minutes |
| M8 | Porte Dorée | 12 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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Accommodations near Paris Zoo (Parc Zoologique de Paris):
Photo Gallery
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Giraffe exhibit in the Parc-Zoologique-de-Paris cc licensed photo by Golgote -
Photo Credit: Nicolas Venner - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Nicolas Venner - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Nicolas Venner - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Nicolas Venner - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Nicolas Venner - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Nicolas Venner - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Nicolas Venner - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Nicolas Venner - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Nicolas Venner - cc license via Flickr
