Planete Sauvage (safari park)
Planète Sauvage is a zoological park located in Port-Saint-Père, France, on the Atlantic coast near Nantes. Originally opened as Safari Africain in 1992, it was renamed Planète Sauvage in 1998 and features a unique blend of a drive-through safari experience and a pedestrian area that includes one of France's dolphinariums. The park is a significant attraction, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors annually, and is involved in research and conservation efforts.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in 1992 as Safari Africain, renamed Planète Sauvage in 1998.
- ›Covers approximately 80 hectares (200 acres) of land.
- ›Houses nearly 1,000 animals representing about 150 species.
- ›Features a 10 km (6.2 MI) safari track visible by car and a pedestrian section with a dolphinarium.
- ›Operated by Looping Group since 2015, previously by Compagnie des Alpes.
- ›Attracts between 200,000 and 322,000 visitors annually since 2008.
Safari Track, Marine City, Jungle Trail, Ark of Reptiles, Bivouac Au Safari
Bottlenose Dolphins, Squirrel Monkeys, American Black Bear Cubs, Lions, Elephants
- Finances Wildlife Conservation Ngos
- Studies Dolphin Communication and Social Factors
- Cooperation With Researchers
About Planete Sauvage (safari park)
Planète Sauvage
Planète Sauvage, meaning 'Wild Planet,' is a zoological park located in Port-Saint-Père, near Nantes, on the French Atlantic coast. Established in 1992 as Safari Africain by Monique and Dany Laurent, it was renamed Planète Sauvage in 1998. The park offers a distinctive blend of a drive-through safari experience, covering 10 kilometers where visitors can observe animals from their own vehicles, and a separate pedestrian area.
Park Features
The park spans approximately 80 hectares (200 acres) and is home to nearly 1,000 animals representing about 150 different species. The "Safari Track" allows visitors to encounter a variety of animals, including giraffes, lions, wolves, bears, and elephants. The pedestrian section features diverse attractions such as the "Bush Village" with small animals like meerkats and otters, the "Ark of Reptiles" housing crocodiles, and the "Marine City," which is one of the three dolphinariums in metropolitan France. This marine facility is dedicated to educating visitors, studying dolphin behavior, and protecting these animals.
History and Operations
Planète Sauvage was operated by the Compagnie des Alpes from 2005 to 2015 before being acquired by the Looping Group. The park has also offered unique overnight experiences through its "Bivouac" service, allowing visitors to stay near the animals. Since 2008, Planète Sauvage has consistently attracted between 200,000 and 322,000 visitors annually. While not a member of the EAZA, the park engages in research programs, notably studying dolphin communication in partnership with scientific organizations like the CNRS and the University of Rennes, and it finances wildlife conservation NGOs.
Controversies
Over its history, Planète Sauvage has faced several controversies. In 1994, a proposed "Bamboula's Village" attraction, intended to be an "African village" with human inhabitants, was canceled due to public outcry, as it was deemed too close to a "human zoo." More recently, concerns have been raised regarding the captivity conditions of its dolphins, with three deaths recorded since 2007. Additionally, the transfer of macaques to a research laboratory practicing vivisection in 2014 also drew criticism.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Planète Sauvage?
Planète Sauvage is a zoological park situated in Port-Saint-Père, France. It combines a drive-through safari experience with a pedestrian area that includes a dolphinarium and various animal exhibits.
When was Planète Sauvage founded?
Planète Sauvage was founded in 1992 under the name Safari Africain by Monique and Dany Laurent. It was renamed Planète Sauvage in 1998.
What are the main attractions at Planète Sauvage?
The park offers a 10-kilometer "Safari Track" where visitors can drive their own cars to observe animals like giraffes, lions, and elephants. The pedestrian part includes a "Marine City" with dolphins, a "Jungle Trail" for monkeys, and an "Ark of Reptiles."
How large is Planète Sauvage?
The park covers approximately 80 hectares, which is equivalent to about 200 acres of land.
Does Planète Sauvage have a dolphinarium?
Yes, Planète Sauvage features a dolphinarium called "Marine City," which houses dolphins and is involved in education, study, and protection efforts.
What kind of animals can be seen at Planète Sauvage?
Planète Sauvage is home to nearly 1,000 animals from around 150 species. Visitors can see a wide variety of animals on the safari track and in the pedestrian areas, including giraffes, lions, wolves, bears, elephants, impalas, monkeys, meerkats, otters, raccoons, crocodiles, and dolphins.
Related Zoos
Réserve Africaine de Sigean
The Réserve Africaine de Sigean is a 740-acre zoo located in Sigean, France, established in 1974. It is home to approximately 3,800 animals across 160 species, featuring both drive-through safari experiences and walking park areas designed with Mediterranean vegetation. The zoo plays a role in wildlife conservation, participating in numerous breeding programs and coordinating the EAZA Ex situ Programme for Hartmann's mountain zebras.
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.
Réserve Africaine & Parc Zoologique et Botanique de Thoiry
The Réserve Africaine & Parc Zoologique et Botanique de Thoiry is a 150-hectare zoological park and botanical garden located near Paris, France, which opened to the public in 1965. It is renowned for its "African Reserve" where animals roam freely along a road, as well as a walk-through zoo and historical château.