Zoos with Capybara 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 d'Auvergne is a zoological park located in Ardes-sur-Couze, in the heart of the Auvergne volcanic region, about 40 minutes from Clermont-Ferrand. The zoo is unique in its mission, being the first in the world to dedicate itself 100% to threatened species, with 75% of its 60 species classified as endangered. Visitors can expect to see around 350 animals, including iconic species such as the red panda, Amur leopard, Rothschild's giraffe, African lion, Sudan cheetah, and Mishmi takin. The park offers immersive experiences like nocturnal visits, animal keeper activities, and even the chance to stay overnight in the 'Manoir des Rêves Sauvages' for a unique experience among the animals. Open from February to December, the park welcomes about 100,000 visitors annually and is recognized as one of the 21 emblematic sites of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.

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.