Zoo of Martinique – Habitation Latouche
Martinique
The Zoo of Martinique is located on the grounds of the historic Habitation Anse Latouche, one of the oldest colonial plantations on the island, founded in the 1640s. The plantation was originally owned by Guillaume Dorange and later by François-Samuel Levassor de Latouche, whose name it bears. The estate was a major sugar plantation and witnessed significant historical events, including the 1717 Gaoulé revolt by planters. The plantation buildings were largely destroyed during the catastrophic 1902 eruption of Mount Pelée, with ruins preserved on site. Since 2014, the site has been transformed into a botanical garden and zoological park, offering visitors a unique blend of natural beauty and historical heritage. The former master's house, dating back to at least 1720, was a colonial-style two-story building with many openings for light and air, centered around a garden with a fountain dated 1743. The zoo operates daily with animal encounters such as jaguars and spider monkeys, and emphasizes research, conservation, and animal welfare. Visitors can explore the ruins of slave quarters, an indigo factory, a sugar cane mill, and other plantation structures, making it a compelling destination combining history, culture, and biodiversity.
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Tip: The Zoo of Martinique is open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with last entry at 4:30 PM. Animal encounters occur daily, including jaguar presentations at 11:45 AM and spider monkey sessions on Wednesdays at 3:00 PM. It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance during peak seasons and inquire about available discounts. Visiting in the morning offers a cooler experience and better animal activity. The zoo emphasizes ethical standards and conservation, making it an educational visit for families and nature enthusiasts.
Interesting facts
- •The plantation was the site of the 1717 Gaoulé revolt where local planters imprisoned royal officials.
- •The original master's house featured black and white marble flooring and a fountain dated 1743 in its central garden.
- •Ruins of slave quarters with 24 cases remain visible across the Latouche river on the Saint-Pierre side.
- •The plantation included diverse facilities such as an indigo factory, sugar cane mill, forge, potteries, and an aqueduct.
- •The estate was destroyed by the Mount Pelée eruption in 1902, a disaster that also claimed the lives of the owning family.
History
Habitation Anse Latouche was established in the 1640s and is one of Martinique's oldest plantations.
It was originally owned by Guillaume Dorange and later by François-Samuel Levassor de Latouche, who lent his name to the estate.
In 1717, the plantation was the site of the Gaoulé revolt, where planters detained royal representatives opposing new sugar trade restrictions.
The plantation changed hands several times over the centuries, including ownership by the Banchereau family and later the Crassous family.
The 1902 eruption of Mount Pelée devastated the plantation, destroying the main house and killing the owning family.
The site was later converted into a botanical garden and then into the Zoo of Martinique, opening in 2014.
Place Guide
Master's House Ruins1720
Remains of the colonial two-story house dating back to at least 1720, featuring red brick construction, marble tiled floors, and a garden with an 18th-century fountain. The house was destroyed in the 1902 volcanic eruption but its ruins are preserved as a historical landmark.
Slave Quarters
Ruins of 24 slave houses located across the Latouche river on a small hill overlooking the watercourse, illustrating the living conditions of enslaved workers on the plantation.
Industrial Ruins
Remnants of plantation infrastructure including an indigo factory, manioc processing area, potteries, sugar cane mill, forge, sluice gate, dam, and aqueduct, showcasing the plantation's self-sufficiency and industrial activity.
Zoo Animal Encounters2014
Daily scheduled animal presentations such as jaguar encounters at 11:45 AM and spider monkey sessions on Wednesdays at 3:00 PM, offering educational experiences focused on conservation and animal welfare.
Contact
Phone: 0596 52 76 08
