Zoos with Donkeys in France 2026

ZooParc de Beauval, commonly known as Beauval Zoo, is a renowned zoological park located in Saint-Aignan-sur-Cher in the Centre-Val de Loire region of France. Established in 1980 by Françoise Delord, the zoo began as a bird park and has since grown into one of the largest and most diverse animal collections in France and Europe. Today, Beauval Zoo spans 40 hectares and is home to over 35,000 animals representing 800 species, including rare and endangered species such as giant pandas, okapis, tree kangaroos, and koalas. The zoo is famous for being the first in France to present leucistic big cats like white tigers and white lions, which significantly boosted its popularity. Visitors can explore a variety of themed zones, including expansive greenhouses for birds and great apes, large plains for African and Asian herbivores, and unique attractions like a free-flight bird show and a sea lion basin. Beauval Zoo is also a leader in conservation, participating in European Endangered Species Programmes and supporting wildlife reintroduction efforts.

Parc Animalier de Sainte-Croix is a wildlife park located in the heart of 130 hectares of preserved nature in France. Established over 45 years ago, the park is dedicated to showcasing European wildlife and global biodiversity. Visitors can explore five distinct zones, each offering encounters with more than 1,500 animals from 130 different species living in semi-liberty. The park is renowned for its immersive experiences, such as nighttime wolf howling adventures and unique dining opportunities facing white wolf packs. Sainte-Croix also offers eco-labeled nature lodges, allowing guests to stay overnight close to the animals. Each year, the park welcomes over 360,000 visitors and plays a significant role in public education and biodiversity conservation.

La Palmyre Zoo, located in Les Mathes, Charente-Maritime near Royan in southwestern France, is one of the country's most renowned zoological parks. Founded in 1966 by Claude Caillé, the zoo began with just 60 animals on three hectares and has since expanded to cover 18 hectares, including 14 hectares of landscaped gardens. Visitors can explore over 4 kilometers of pathways and observe more than 1,600 animals representing 145 species from around the world. The zoo is set in the scenic forest of la Coubre, offering a natural and immersive environment for both animals and guests. Over the decades, La Palmyre Zoo has become a major attraction, known for its commitment to animal care, innovative exhibits, and participation in international conservation efforts.