Zoo de la Flèche
The Zoo de La Flèche, formally Parc Zoologique du Tertre-Rouge, is an 18-hectare zoo located in La Flèche, Sarthe, France, established in 1946. It houses approximately 1,600 animals across 160 species and gained significant public recognition through the documentary series "Une saison au zoo." It is a notable tourist attraction in its region and a member of European zoological associations.
Key Facts
- ›Opened in 1946 as the first private zoo in post-war France.
- ›Covers an area of 18 hectares (44 acres).
- ›Home to approximately 1,600 animals representing about 160 species.
- ›Subject of the wildlife documentary series "Une saison au zoo" from 2014 to 2022.
- ›Was the third most visited tourist attraction in the Pays de la Loire region in 2019.
- ›Experienced a significant fire in 2020 that destroyed the bat cave and several terrariums.
Bat Cave
About Zoo de la Flèche
The Zoo de La Flèche, formally known as Parc Zoologique du Tertre-Rouge, is an 18-hectare zoological park located in La Flèche, Sarthe, France. Established in 1946 by naturalist Jacques Bouillault, it holds the distinction of being the first private zoo in post-war France.
History and Development
Jacques Bouillault settled in 1946 on the Tertre-Rouge hill, where he began collecting animals and founded the Tertre-Rouge Zoological Park. Over the years, the zoo expanded its offerings, with Bouillault creating a natural history museum within the park in 1960. This museum featured dioramas showcasing over 500 regional animal specimens. A vivarium was added in 1971, and the museum itself underwent renovation in 1973.
By the early 1980s, the zoo faced financial challenges. Despite efforts to support its operations through an "Association of Friends of Tertre-Rouge" and a management company, Bouillault declared bankruptcy in 1988. The zoo was subsequently purchased by local insurance broker Raymond Da Cunha, who renamed it "Zoo de La Flèche." Bouillault continued to work at the zoo until 1992. Management was transferred to Raymond Da Cunha's son, Stéphane, in 1997. In 2017, the Looping Group acquired the zoo, with Stéphane Da Cunha remaining president but stepping down as director.
Notable Features and Events
The Zoo de La Flèche is home to approximately 1,600 animals, representing about 160 species. It is a member of both the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) and the Association Française des Parcs Zoologiques (AFdPZ).
The zoo achieved significant public recognition through the wildlife documentary series "Une saison au zoo," which aired on France 4 between 2014 and 2022. In 2019, it was recognized as the third most visited tourist attraction in the Pays de la Loire region.
A significant incident occurred on January 25, 2020, when an accidental fire destroyed the bat cave and several terrariums. This event led to the tragic loss of around fifty animals, including Egyptian fruit bats, Madagascar geckos, an Asian rat snake, and a Uromastyx lizard.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Zoo de La Flèche open?
The Zoo de La Flèche opened in 1946. It was founded by naturalist Jacques Bouillault on the Tertre-Rouge hill, becoming the first private zoo in post-war France.
What is the size of the Zoo de La Flèche?
The zoo spans 18 hectares, which is equivalent to 44 acres. This area accommodates its collection of animals and exhibits.
How many animals and species are at the Zoo de La Flèche?
The zoo houses around 1,600 animals, representing approximately 160 different species. This diverse collection contributes to its status as a significant zoological park.
What is the "Une saison au zoo" documentary series?
"Une saison au zoo" is a wildlife documentary series that chronicled life at the Zoo de La Flèche. It was broadcast between 2014 and 2022 on France 4, significantly raising the zoo's profile.
Has the zoo experienced any major incidents?
Yes, on January 25, 2020, an accidental fire occurred at the zoo. The fire destroyed the bat cave and several terrariums, resulting in the loss of about fifty animals.
Who founded the Zoo de La Flèche?
The zoo was founded by naturalist Jacques Bouillault in 1946. He initially gathered a collection of animals and established the Tertre-Rouge Zoological Park.
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