Haute Touche Zoological Park
The Haute Touche Zoological Park is a zoo and safari park located in Obterre, France, and is affiliated with the Muséum national d'histoire naturelle. Established in 1958 and opened to the public in 1980, it is known for housing animals in semi-freedom within extensive enclosures, offering visitors a glimpse of diverse species from around the world.
Key Facts
- ›Located in Obterre, France, within the Regional Natural Park of Brenne.
- ›Established in 1958 and opened to the public in 1980.
- ›Spans a total of 480 hectares, with 100 hectares accessible to visitors.
- ›Houses approximately 920 animals representing 85 species.
- ›Features a notable collection of deer species.
- ›Includes animals in semi-freedom within large enclosures.
Deer Collection, European Fauna Enclosures, Threatened Ungulate Exhibits, Big Cat Enclosures, Lemur Habitats
Alpine Ibex, European Bison, Gray Wolves, Wild Boar, Formosan Sika Deer, PèRe David's Deer, Scimitar Oryx, Giraffe, Lemurs
About Haute Touche Zoological Park
The Haute Touche Zoological Park, known in French as the Réserve zoologique de la Haute-Touche, is a significant zoo and safari park situated in Obterre, France. It operates under the umbrella of the Muséum national d'histoire naturelle and was established in 1958, opening its gates to the public in 1980. Nestled within the natural beauty of the Regional Natural Park of Brenne, the park covers an expansive 480 hectares, with a substantial 100 hectares dedicated for public exploration.
Animals and Enclosures
A defining characteristic of the Haute Touche Zoological Park is its commitment to housing animals in semi-freedom. This approach utilizes relatively large enclosures, allowing the animals to exhibit more natural behaviors within a spacious environment. Visitors can encounter approximately 920 individual animals, representing 85 distinct species sourced from five continents. The park boasts a particularly noteworthy collection of deer, alongside a diverse array of European fauna such as Alpine ibex, European bison, gray wolves, and wild boar.
Species Diversity
Beyond its European inhabitants, the zoo features threatened ungulate species like the Formosan sika deer, Père David's deer, and scimitar oryx. The general fauna sections offer glimpses of animals from the Americas, Asia, and Africa, including impressive big cats, hyenas, baboons, lemurs, giraffes, antelopes, and various bird species. This broad spectrum of wildlife provides an educational and engaging experience for visitors interested in global biodiversity.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Haute Touche Zoological Park located?
The Haute Touche Zoological Park is situated in Obterre, within the department of Indre, France. It is located in the heart of the Regional Natural Park of Brenne.
When was the zoo founded and when did it open to the public?
The zoo was established in 1958 and subsequently opened its doors to the public in 1980. This allowed for the development and preparation of the park before visitor access.
How large is the Haute Touche Zoological Park?
The entire park covers an area of 480 hectares. Of this, 100 hectares are dedicated to public access and visitor experience.
What kind of animals can be seen at the zoo?
Visitors can observe around 920 animals from 85 different species. These include European fauna like Alpine ibex and European bison, threatened ungulates such as Père David's deer, and general fauna from the Americas, Asia, and Africa, including big cats and giraffes.
What is special about the enclosures at Haute Touche?
A key feature of the Haute Touche Zoological Park is that animals are kept in semi-freedom. They are housed in relatively large enclosures, providing a more naturalistic environment.
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