Beauval Zoo
Saint-Aignan, France
About Beauval Zoo
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.
health and well-being.
It includes giving animals proper food, clean living spaces, medical care, and treating them with respect.
These standards help make sure animals live safe, healthy, and stress-free lives.
Visitors to Beauval Zoo can park in large designated parking areas located near the main entrance of the zoo. Parking is paid, so be prepared to pay a fee upon arrival; it is not free. It is advisable to arrive early during peak seasons or holidays, as the parking lots can fill up quickly due to the zoo's popularity. Accessible parking spaces are available for visitors with reduced mobility, and clear signage helps guide you from the parking area to the zoo entrance.
Check the zoo's official website for the latest feeding times schedule.
- Beauval Zoo houses over 35,000 animals from 800 different species, making it one of the largest animal collections in Europe.
- It was the first zoo in France to present white tigers and white lions, attracting a surge in visitors and national attention in the 1990s.
- The zoo features four large greenhouses and three expansive plains, including specialized habitats for African elephants, Asian herbivores, and African savannah animals.
- Beauval is the most visited tourist site in the Centre-Val de Loire region, drawing more than 1.6 million visitors annually since 2019.
- The zoo employs around 600 permanent staff and generated a revenue of 66 million euros in 2019.
- Beauval coordinates three European Endangered Species Programmes (EEP) and has reintroduced several animals into the wild in Africa.
Paid Experiences
Animal Keeper Experience
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Get a unique insight into the daily life of a zookeeper and interact with various animals.
Behind-the-Scenes Tour
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Explore areas of the zoo not accessible to the public and learn about animal conservation efforts.
Night at the Zoo
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Experience the zoo after dark with a special overnight stay among the animals.
Photos are illustrative and do not depict the actual experience or animals at this zoo. We do our best to keep experience details accurate, but always check with the zoo directly for the latest information.