5.0 Guinea Baboons have arrived from Nurnberg. Three will eventually be selected as future breeding males at Paris before the remaining two are moved on elsewhere Arrivée de mâles babouins, futurs reproducteurs du groupe | Parc Zoologique de Paris | Francetv info
Was just seeing some of the comments after seeing some of the photos and concerns that this 'new' zoo is underwhelming. I was able to go by the zoo in early May, not too long before it opened. I too, had very high hopes - and while I was initially a little underwhelmed (full disclosure - I also visited Zurich, Rotterdam and Burgers on the same trip) - in hindsight, I think my expectations where unrealistic as the task/cost of opening an entirely new zoo all at once is/was enormous. I did find parts of zoo, particularly the 'first' part covering South America and Africa to have an almost cheap or rushed feel, and some species that weren't on exhibit yet - a lot of enclosures use black chain-link fence. A couple of the big cat exhibits, including the lion exhibit, feel a bit exposed. But - it really got much better as I moved through, and the Guyana and Madagascar exhibits are really quite good. The Iberian wolves are an excellent inclusion, and the design of the giraffe/ostrich exhibit is quite interesting - with the animals able to wade into their watering hole at nearly your same level with no visible barriers - its one that I think will be stunning once the landscaping and foliage have grown in. To that point - I think it's important to be patient here, it is far from a world class zoo right now in my opinion, but I think there is some potential. The zoo feels bare, because the foliage needs time to grow in. It's small, but I expect over time they will add additional exhibits and species. What's crazy is how the Menagerie in the Jardin du Plantes still has so many larger (and more rare) ungulates in a much, much smaller space!
One of the zoos pair of Manatees has drowned following an accident last week. This leaves a single Manatee at Paris now.. Manatee dies in Paris zoo after drowning in pool < French news | Expatica France
On the Guardian website today: Barry the manatee drowns at Paris zoo after getting stuck in pool shaft | World news | theguardian.com
Does anybody here on zoochat have more information concerning the Red-backed bearded sakis (Chiropotes chiropotes) at Vincennes? I recall the zoo having plans to import them from South America. I also found a few photos of their exhibit and an information sign about the species itself.
If you had a weekend in Paris, is it worth visiting? Are you better off seeing the other sites in Paris and skipping the zoo? Do they still keep Manatee?
It's worth it, I say, along with the Menagerie in the Jardin des Plantes... There's a really good ethnographic museum down the road as well, which used to have an aquarium with crocodiles in the basement (not sure if they still do) There's only one manatee as far as I'm aware...
Thinking the Menagerie in Jardin de Plantes will definitely be something to do, just looking at the zoo there does not seem to be many unique or rarities for me to see (Otherthan manatee). Is there any gems in the collection at the zoo? The website was not that helpful. Thanks
If given the choice, i would choose the menagerie, with it's fascinating hoofstock collection, which includes such gems as gaur, Sichuan takin and Rocky mountain goat along with the only Houbara bustard in Europe.
If you visit the menagerie at the Jardin des Plantes, which is very interesting, do not miss the grand galerie de evolution next door, which has an amazing hall of extinct animals. You can see both the menagerie and the grand galerie in about 3 hours and then continue on sighting along the river. Notre Dame is across the bridge from the jardin des plantes. I have not been to the renovated zoo yet, so i cannot evaluate it.
This makes my mind up, thought it just had a small collection of birds and reptiles. It is also on my way in to Paris from where I am staying so bonus. I don't want to waste a full day as I have limited time. Glad I asked the question otherwise I am have missed it.
The museum aquarium is still there.....I visited in Dec after the zoo.....American Alligators in the basement...very odd set-up....but definitely worth a visit.....some really nice fish indeed......full set of lungfish for example.
The Vincennes zoo does have some interesting stuff.....from memory.....woolley monkey...sifaka......interesting European reptiles and amphibians inside the artificial mountain....Caiman lizard and other rare reptiles and amphibians in the Tropical House.....also a red-fan parrot in here.....large group of bush dog
Thanks Newzooboy, I think out of the two I want to explore the old zoo more, plus I can do that in a morning and still get to a few other places later in the day.
Both zoos are really worth seeing. The menagerie is obviously laden with history, and has some superb species. It is pretty small, though, and is obviously not the most modern of zoological gardens. It is within walking distance of some of Paris's most notable areas (it is right by the river). The zoo is not exactly far from the city centre - I'm guessing the underground took about 15 minutes or so - and I would disagree with some fo the lukewarm comments that have been posted about it. It has some - maybe not many - standout species, but the unity fo design is very pleasing, and the flavour of the place as a whole is rather excellent. What I liked most of all is that, although it is all shiny and new, it is in many ways a pretty traditional zoo - I don't think there's anything too radical in its design. It's all done very nicely, though, and I would imagine it will look better and better as the years roll on - I visited last summer, when the planting was still looking a little sparse in places. The obvious answer is to visit both - and the aquariums, and the natural history museum!
I choose to just view the menagerie and certainly not disappointed with my choice. I was staying 5m walk from the place so did it one morning on the way to the other sights in Paris, had just 2 and half days and well did the other usually spots (Effiel Tower, Louvre, etc....). The history of the place was just great, the cat house amazing you just don't see much like that nowadays. The changes to the house were just about good enough for it continued use. The monkey house was a delight too, with white crowned mangabeys and L'hoest monkeys. Missed seeing the Quolls they just were a massive no show but I am sure I will see them at Bristol. So worth the admission price....wish I had more time there. Thanks for everyones input.
