La Palmyre Zoo
La Palmyre Zoo, established in 1966 by Claude Caillé, is a prominent zoological park located in Les Mathes, Charente-Maritime, France. Spanning 18 hectares, it houses over 1600 animals from 145 species, making it one of France's most visited zoos and a significant contributor to regional tourism and conservation efforts.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in 1966 by Claude Caillé.
- ›Covers an area of 18 hectares (44 acres), including 14 hectares of landscaped garden.
- ›Home to over 1600 animals representing 145 different species.
- ›Attracts approximately 750,000 visitors annually.
- ›Operates as a significant economic factor in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region.
- ›Actively participates in numerous international conservation and breeding programs.
- Polar bear exhibit with underwater viewing areas
Amur Tiger, Gorillas, Chimpanzees, Zebras, Antelopes, Giraffes, Bali Starlings, Asian Elephants, White Rhinoceroses, Scimitar Oryxes, Orangutans, Golden Lion Tamarins
- European breeding programs (EEP) for scimitar oryxes
- Conservation programs for orangutans and gibbons
- Reintroduction programs for golden lion tamarins in Brazil
- European breeding program for Asian elephants
- Conservation campaign for rhinoceroses organized by EAZA
- European breeding program for lemurs (AEECL)
About La Palmyre Zoo
La Palmyre Zoo is a significant zoological park situated in Les Mathes, Charente-Maritime, in southwestern France. Founded by Claude Caillé in 1966, the zoo has grown from its initial three hectares and 60 animals to cover 18 hectares (44 acres), including 14 hectares of landscaped gardens. It is now one of the most visited zoos in France, attracting approximately 750,000 visitors annually and serving as an important economic contributor to the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region.
History and Development
The foundation of La Palmyre Zoo traces back to Claude Caillé's passion for animals, which developed in his youth. After starting with a small traveling zoo in 1957, Caillé embarked on expeditions to Africa, notably to Cameroon and Kenya, to acquire animals. This led to the establishment of the zoo in the heart of a pine and holm oak forest near the Atlantic coast. The zoo officially opened in June 1966. Over the years, it has expanded its collection and facilities, including the creation of a polar bear exhibit in 1996 featuring underwater viewing capabilities. Claude Caillé retired in 2005, succeeded by his son, Patrick Caillé.
Animal Collection and Conservation
La Palmyre Zoo is home to over 1600 animals representing 145 distinct species. The zoo is deeply committed to wildlife conservation and international cooperation. It is a member of numerous international associations, including the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) and the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums (EAZA). The zoo actively participates in European breeding programs for many threatened and endangered species, such as gorillas, Bornean orangutans, scimitar oryxes, and golden lion tamarins. It also finances in-situ conservation and research programs in the animals' native countries. Notable conservation successes include the reintroduction of scimitar oryxes to Tunisia and efforts to bolster the wild population of golden lion tamarins in Brazil.
Notable Features and Operations
The zoo offers visitors a journey through diverse animal habitats, covering more than 4 kilometers. In addition to animal presentations, it features sea lion shows and parrot shows from April to October. La Palmyre Zoo is accessible year-round and is fully accessible to people with disabilities, offering free parking and on-site amenities. The zoo manages substantial daily operations, requiring significant resources for animal care, including vast quantities of fodder, fruits, vegetables, meat, and fish consumed by its inhabitants.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When did La Palmyre Zoo open?
La Palmyre Zoo officially opened its doors in 1966. However, the initial project began in a semi-official capacity in 1957 with its founder, Claude Caillé.
What is the size of La Palmyre Zoo?
The zoo extends over 18 hectares (44 acres) of land. Of this total area, 14 hectares are dedicated to landscaped gardens.
How many animals and species are at La Palmyre Zoo?
La Palmyre Zoo houses more than 1600 animals, which are divided into 145 different species. Visitors can observe these animals over a distance of more than 4 kilometers.
What is Claude Caillé's background before founding the zoo?
Claude Caillé, the founder of La Palmyre Zoo, began working with his newspaperman father at age 14. In his twenties, he discovered his passion for animals through his brother-in-law's small zoological gardens and went on to study zoology.
What conservation efforts does La Palmyre Zoo participate in?
La Palmyre Zoo is a member of international associations like WAZA and EAZA and is a founding member of CEPA, focusing on threatened species. It also participates in European breeding programs for species like scimitar oryxes, orangutans, and golden lion tamarins, and finances in-situ protection programs.
Has the zoo experienced any significant incidents?
In 1976, a large forest fire threatened the zoo, requiring the evacuation of many animals. In 2000, a cheetah was euthanized due to Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), the only case recorded at the zoo. The zoo also undertook extensive bird vaccinations against avian influenza in 2014.
What are some notable animal breeding programs at La Palmyre Zoo?
The zoo is involved in crucial breeding programs for endangered species such as Asian elephants, with its bull elephant Shinto contributing significantly to European efforts. It also participates in programs for white rhinoceroses and has successfully bred golden lion tamarins, sending a family to Brazil in 1992 as part of a rescue operation.
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