Réserve Africaine & Parc Zoologique et Botanique de Thoiry

The Réserve Africaine & Parc Zoologique et Botanique de Thoiry is a significant zoological and botanical attraction located in the village of Thoiry, France, approximately 48 kilometers west of Paris. Opened to the public in 1965, the estate encompasses 150 hectares (370 acres) and features a diverse range of attractions, including a historic château, gardens, and a renowned zoological park.

Zoological Attractions

The park is particularly known for its "African Reserve," a 240-acre (97 ha) area designed to allow many animals to roam freely along an 8-kilometer (5.0 mi) road. This section hosts a variety of species, including Przewalski's horse, bears, European and American bison, wildebeest, kudu, dromedary camels, zebras, giraffes, rhinos, hippos, eland, Watusi cattle, and elephants. Complementing the reserve is a walk-through zoo where visitors can observe animals in more contained environments. These include Siberian tigers, Eurasian lynx, snow leopards, lar gibbons, red pandas, ring-tailed lemurs, Tonkean macaques, cheetahs, reticulated pythons, wolves, pygmy goats, and Komodo dragons.

By 1974, the zoo's popularity was evident, drawing over 280,000 visitors annually to see its collection of approximately 1,000 wild animals.

Château de Thoiry and Gardens

Integral to the estate is the Château de Thoiry, a 16th-century castle originally built by Raoul Moreau, an alchemist and treasurer to the King of France, with architectural design attributed to Philibert de L'Orme. The castle's design is noted for its harmony with nature, including a central arch that aligns with the sun during the summer and winter solstices. The château remains the residence of the Counts of La Panouse, and parts of it are accessible to the public, often featuring tours led by costumed guides. The estate also includes a maze and several well-maintained gardens.

Notable Incidents

In March 2017, the zoo experienced a poaching incident where a male Southern white rhinoceros named Vince was found shot dead, with its horns removed. This event was significant as it was reported to be the first instance of such live animal poaching at a European zoo, highlighting concerns over illegal trafficking of rhinoceros horns.

More recently, in June 2024, a visitor was severely injured by three wolves in the American reserve area. The incident occurred when the woman entered the zone on foot, despite signage and safety reminders, and was subsequently bitten by the wolves. While initial reports indicated life-threatening injuries, updates confirmed her condition was no longer critical.