ZooParc de Beauval
Centre-Val de Loire
ZooParc de Beauval, located in Saint-Aignan-sur-Cher in the Centre-Val de Loire region of France, is one of the largest and most prestigious zoological parks in Europe. Established in 1980 by Françoise Delord, the park spans approximately 40-45 hectares and hosts more than 35,000 animals, including many rare and endangered species such as giant pandas, white tigers, white lions, okapis, tree kangaroos, and koalas. Beauval was a pioneer in France for exhibiting leucistic big cats in the 1990s, significantly boosting its reputation and visitor numbers. The park features diverse habitats including four greenhouses housing birds, great apes, sloths, reptiles, manatees, and Australasian fauna, as well as three large plains presenting African savannah herbivores, African elephants, and Asian herbivores. Notable themed areas include "On China Heights," the African swamp "The Hippos' Reserve," and attractions such as "The Sea Lions' Odyssey" and the free-flight bird show "Masters of Airs." The park actively participates in conservation, coordinating several European Endangered Species Programmes and supporting field conservation through its association Beauval Nature. It also offers extensive accommodation options with several themed hotels. With over 1.6 million visitors annually, Beauval is the most visited tourist site in its region and among the top zoological parks in France.
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Tip: For the best experience, visit during spring or early autumn to enjoy milder weather and active animals. Booking tickets online in advance is recommended to avoid queues and secure entry, especially during peak seasons. Look out for combined offers including park admission and themed hotel stays. Early arrival enhances chances to see popular animals like the giant pandas and white tigers. The park provides detailed maps and schedules for shows such as the bird flight display and sea lion performances, which are highlights of the visit.
Interesting facts
- •Beauval was the first zoo in France to exhibit leucistic big cats, such as white tigers and white lions, in the 1990s.
- •It houses over 35,000 animals, making it one of the largest collections in Europe.
- •In 2017, Beauval became the first French zoo and the fourth worldwide to successfully breed giant pandas.
- •The zoo participates actively in European Endangered Species Programmes and supports in situ conservation efforts in Africa.
- •The park features themed accommodation including Balinese-inspired and Chinese-style hotels.
- •It attracts over 1.6 million visitors annually, making it the most visited tourist attraction in the Centre-Val de Loire region.
History
The ZooParc de Beauval was founded in 1980 by Françoise Delord, who initially started with a large collection of birds in Paris before relocating to Saint-Aignan-sur-Cher due to space constraints.
It transitioned from a bird park to a full zoological park in 1989 by introducing mammals such as big cats and primates.
In 1991, Beauval gained national fame by introducing white tigers, unique in France at the time, which significantly increased visitor numbers.
Throughout the 1990s, the park expanded with the construction of tropical greenhouses for great apes and birds, a vivarium with reptiles, and a sea lion pool featuring live shows.
Over the years, Beauval has continued to grow, adding rare and endangered species and becoming a leader in conservation and animal breeding programs.
Place Guide
Great Ape Tropical Greenhouse1992
This large greenhouse houses Bornean orangutans and chimpanzees, featuring two outdoor islands for naturalistic habitats. It includes a vivarium with snakes and Nile crocodiles visible underwater through an aqua-terrarium.
Tropical Bird Greenhouse1994
A 2,000 m² greenhouse presenting around 300 exotic birds in a rainforest-like environment, providing visitors with an immersive experience of diverse avian species.
Sea Lion Basin and Outdoor Theatre1995
This area features a pool for sea lions and hosts live shows combining free-flight raptors and sea lions, known as "The Sea Lions' Odyssey" and "Masters of Airs" bird show, offering dynamic entertainment highlighting animal behaviors.
African Savannah Plains
Expansive plains showcasing herbivores such as giraffes, white rhinoceroses, and antelopes, designed to mimic the African savannah environment.
Asian Herbivore Plains
Habitat areas for Asian species like Indian rhinoceroses and Malayan tapirs, providing insight into Asian fauna conservation.
Contact
Phone: 02 54 75 50 00
