Top 5 Zoos with Barbary Macaque 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.

Colchester Zoo, operated by the Colchester Zoological Society, is a popular family attraction located in Essex, England. The zoo is dedicated to conservation, with all visits and purchases helping to fund both local and global wildlife projects. Visitors can expect a wide range of animal exhibits, interactive experiences, and special events throughout the year. The zoo offers unique animal encounters, adoption programs, and educational opportunities for guests of all ages. With a focus on supporting threatened species, Colchester Zoo provides a memorable and meaningful day out for families and wildlife enthusiasts alike.

Vienna Zoo, also known as Schönbrunn Zoo, is located within the grounds of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site at Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna, Austria. It is renowned as the world's oldest continuously operating zoo, offering visitors a unique blend of historical architecture and modern animal habitats. The zoo is home to around 500 animal species, ranging from penguins and orangutans to koalas and giant pandas. Visitors can explore a variety of themed habitats that recreate environments from the arctic to the tropics, providing immersive experiences for all ages. The zoo is celebrated for its beautiful setting and is often referred to as 'the world’s most beautiful zoo,' making it a must-see attraction for tourists and locals alike.

La Vallée des Singes is a unique zoological park in France, specializing exclusively in primates. Located in Romagne, near Poitiers and the Futuroscope in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, the park covers 22 hectares of shaded paths, streams, and waterfalls, offering a natural and immersive environment. Since its creation, the park has welcomed over 450 primates living in semi-liberty, with no cages or barriers, allowing visitors to observe the animals up close in a setting that closely resembles their natural habitats. The park is renowned for its impressive record of 900 primate births, including rare and delicate species such as gorillas, bonobos, and woolly monkeys. Visitors can expect to see a wide variety of primate species, including squirrel monkeys, golden lion tamarins, mandrills, and gibbons, all thriving on verdant islands designed for their well-being.

Cabárceno Natural Park, located near Santander in Cantabria, Spain, is a unique wildlife park set in a former open-pit mining area. Established on the site of an old iron mine, the park has been transformed into a vast natural reserve where over 120 animal species from five continents live in semi-freedom. Unlike traditional zoos, animals at Cabárceno inhabit large enclosures that closely resemble their natural habitats, allowing for more natural behaviors and interactions. Visitors can explore the park by car or on foot, following a network of roads and paths that wind through dramatic landscapes of rocky outcrops, lakes, and meadows. The park is renowned for its commitment to conservation and breeding programs, and it regularly hosts educational and scientific events. Guests can expect a memorable experience observing animals such as elephants, gorillas, rhinos, and exotic birds in a setting that blends nature, history, and wildlife.

Apenheul Primate Park is a unique zoo where visitors can walk among free-roaming primates, offering an immersive and interactive experience. The park is home to more than 300 primates, allowing guests to observe these animals up close as they move freely through the trees and across the grounds. Apenheul is designed to provide a naturalistic environment for its animals, focusing on their well-being and natural behaviors. Visitors can enjoy feeding presentations and educational activities that highlight the diversity and habits of different primate species. The park offers a blend of adventure, education, and play, making it a popular destination for families and animal enthusiasts.

Bioparco di Roma is a 17-hectare zoological garden located within the historic Villa Borghese estate in Rome, Italy. Established in 1911, it is the oldest zoo in Italy and was originally designed to entertain and amuse the public, rather than serve purely scientific purposes. The zoo was conceived by Carl Hagenbeck, who pioneered the use of ditches and pits instead of bars, creating more naturalistic enclosures for the animals. Over the years, Bioparco di Roma has expanded and renovated its facilities, including the addition of a large aviary and a reptile house. Today, visitors can expect to see over 1,100 animals representing more than 220 species, including mammals, birds, and reptiles, in a lush, green setting.

Dierenrijk, also known as Eindhoven Zoo, is a zoo located near Eindhoven in the Netherlands. The zoo offers visitors the chance to come face-to-face with over 60 impressive animal species, including rhinos, cheetahs (the fastest land animal in the world), elephants, and playful young chimpanzees. Dierenrijk is designed to provide an interactive and educational experience, allowing guests to learn about animals by truly meeting them up close. One of the unique features of the zoo is its recently renovated water playground, where children can play right next to swimming Amur tigers, a rare sight as most big cats dislike water. The zoo is open every day and offers a variety of experiences for families, school groups, and other visitors, making it a popular destination for both education and recreation.

Zoo Duisburg is a renowned zoological garden located in Duisburg, Germany. The zoo is known for its creative and unique animal experiences, including special activities such as pygmy hippos creating artwork for charity. Visitors can expect a diverse range of animal exhibits and engaging events throughout the year. The zoo emphasizes interactive and innovative ways to connect guests with wildlife. Its service office offers exclusive animal-made art pieces for a minimum donation, adding a distinctive touch to the visitor experience.

Selwo Aventura is a unique wildlife park located near Málaga, Spain, offering visitors the chance to experience an authentic safari adventure without leaving the country. The park is designed to immerse guests in a journey across different continents, featuring animals from Africa, Asia, and beyond. Selwo Aventura is known for its expansive grounds and themed experiences, including guided safaris and VIP private tours that allow access to restricted areas and close encounters with rare species. The park is actively involved in conservation efforts, such as participating in the release of endangered animals like the grey parrot and hosting critically endangered species such as the Sumatran elephant. Visitors can also extend their adventure by staying overnight at the on-site Selwo Lodge, which includes breakfast and a safari experience.