Beauval Zoo Park

An animal and ecological wonder

The ZooParc de Beauval, located in Saint-Aignan in the French department of Loir-et-Cher, is the 4th most beautiful zoo in the world. Founded in 1980 by Françoise Delord, the park has gradually evolved from a simple bird sanctuary into a global institution for conservation and environmental education. Today, Beauval is a model of biodiversity and a place of wonder for visitors of all ages.

History and evolution

The story of ZooParc de Beauval began with Françoise Delord, a bird enthusiast who opened the doors of her park in 1980 with a collection of rare and exotic birds. The park’s success soon led to its expansion. In 1989, the zoo introduced its first mammals, with the famous giant pandas on loan from China only arriving in 2012, making it one of the few parks in the world to welcome these emblematic creatures.

Animal Diversity

The Beauval ZooParc is home to over 35,000 animals representing around 800 different species. These animals are spread over a 45-hectare estate, offering visitors a total immersion in the animal world. Among the most famous residents are :

• The Giant Pandas: Yuan Zi and Huan Huan, who arrived in 2012, are the stars of the park. In 2017, the birth of their cub, Yuan Meng, attracted worldwide attention.

• Manatees: Housed in a tropical greenhouse, these gentle giants are a fascinating sight.

• Koalas: Originally from Australia, these adorable marsupials find an environment adapted to their specific needs at Beauval.

• Felines: Lions, white tigers and snow leopards are just some of the majestic species that can be seen.

Infrastructure and Development

One of ZooParc de Beauval’s strengths lies in its modern infrastructure, which respects animal welfare. The park has several tropical greenhouses, large enclosures and immersive trails that reproduce the animals’ natural habitats. Notable facilities include :

• The Equatorial Dome: One of the most impressive new features, this 1 hectare dome is home to extraordinary tropical flora and fauna, allowing visitors to discover a complete equatorial ecosystem.

• Tropical greenhouses: home to species such as manatees and gorillas, these greenhouses offer a controlled environment that reproduces the climatic conditions of their original habitats.

• The African Savannah: a vast area where giraffes, zebras and other African animals live together in a setting close to their natural habitat.

Conservation and Research

The ZooParc de Beauval plays a crucial role in the conservation of endangered species. As a member of the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums (EAZA), it takes part in numerous captive breeding programmes. Thanks to these initiatives, Beauval is actively contributing to the preservation of global biodiversity. For example, the birth of giant pandas and pygmy hippopotamuses are notable successes of these conservation efforts.
The park also works with scientists and researchers to study animal behaviour and develop improved care techniques. Research projects are often carried out in partnership with universities and scientific institutions, helping to advance knowledge and conservation of species.

Education and awareness

Education is one of ZooParc de Beauval’s fundamental missions. Every year, the park welcomes thousands of schoolchildren and educational groups. Educational programmes are offered to raise awareness among younger generations of biodiversity and the need to protect our planet. Visitors can take part in interactive workshops, attend lectures and animal presentations that highlight the challenges of conservation.

Green Initiatives

The ZooParc de Beauval is not just a place of entertainment; it is also committed to ecological initiatives to reduce its environmental footprint. These initiatives include

• Renewable energy: Beauval uses renewable energy sources, including solar panels, to reduce its fossil fuel consumption.

• Waste management: The park implements effective sorting and recycling systems to minimise waste.

• Protection of water resources: Measures are being taken to manage water use efficiently, in particular by recovering rainwater.

Economic and tourism impact

The Beauval ZooParc is a major economic driver for the Centre-Val de Loire region. It attracts more than 1.5 million visitors every year, generating significant economic benefits for local businesses, hotels and restaurants. The park also creates a large number of jobs, from animal caretakers to reception and catering staff.

Visitor testimonials

Visitor testimonials reflect the positive impact and wonder of ZooParc de Beauval. Many praise the quality of the facilities, the well-being of the animals and the park’s commitment to conservation and education. Families particularly appreciate the immersive trails and animal shows, which offer unforgettable moments for young and old alike.

The ZooParc de Beauval is much more than just a zoo. It is a biodiversity sanctuary, a research and education centre, and a model of ecological initiative. Thanks to its commitment to species conservation and its educational offering, Bea