Zoo La Garenne

Zoo La Garenne, also known as Parc animalier de la faune européenne La Garenne, is a specialized zoo located in Le Vaud, Vaud, Switzerland. Founded in 1952 by Erwin Meier, its primary mission is to promote and conserve Swiss fauna, with a particular focus on small animals and birds of prey. The park also serves as a critical care center for wild animals found in the region, aiming for their rehabilitation and reintroduction into their natural habitats.

General Information

The park spans 3 hectares (approximately 7.4 acres) and houses around 300 animals. It attracts approximately 90,000 visitors annually and is a member of ZooSchweiz and WAZA. Zoo La Garenne is owned and managed by the Fondation La Garenne, a non-profit organization that receives substantial support from its affiliate association, the Association des Amis de la Garenne. Funding is derived from membership contributions, donations, sponsorships, and inheritances.

Park Organization and Features

Relocated to new grounds in 2014 and reopened in 2016, the park features the largest aviary in Europe, standing 28 meters high at its peak, allowing visitors to walk among nesting birds. The modern entrance pavilion, constructed entirely of wood by LOCALARCHITECTURE, offers views of the park through large triangular windows and includes a gift shop, restaurant, and reception area. The park also maintains a strong commitment to education, with a classroom for school children and groups.

Mission and Conservation

The Fondation La Garenne's mission is fourfold: rescuing and caring for wild animals, participating in the survival and reintroduction of vulnerable species, providing environmental education, and showcasing Swiss fauna. A significant conservation success has been its involvement in the reproduction and rehabilitation program for the bearded vulture in the Alps. The zoo was one of the first in Switzerland to participate, with the first bearded vulture born there in 1986. The park's long-term male bearded vulture, Athos, was a key figure in this program, fathering over 25 birds, many of which were released into the Alps.

Species Representation

Zoo La Garenne exhibits a variety of Swiss species, including mammals such as wolves, lynx, foxes, Saas sheep, Alpine ibex, and wild boar. Bird species include the bearded vulture, little owl, woodpeckers, kestrels, and various owls. Reptiles and amphibians such as the European pond turtle and Alpine newt are also present, alongside an anthill for observing insect activity and diverse local flora.