On Saturday April 12th, after a 6-year-long closure and 3 years of renovation works, Vincennes Zoo, renamed Zoological Park of Paris, will finally reopen its doors to the public. First opened in 1934, this zoo is the only one in the world which has been entirely renovated. It is now home to more than 1,000 animals (180 species), and is divided into five biozones: Patagonia, Sahel-Sudan, Europe, Guyana and Madagascar. The park stretches on 14.5 hectares, that is around 4 km (2.9 miles), and still has its big famous rock that overlooks the different areas.

Giraffes of the zoo.
© F-G Grandin - MNHN

A whole new vegetation
The Vincennes Zoo's renovation works also included planting a new vegetation. The tree surface has been raised by more than 40%, increasing the number of plant species to 870. The park comprises 2,258 new tree species: hazel trees, maples, banana trees, oaks, and so on. A large hothouse has been built to shelter a lush vegetation which recalls that of tropical rainforests of Guyana and Madagascar. The building is 16 meter tall, its temperature varies between 20°C and 25°C, and its air humidity amounts to 75%. You visit the zoo by wandering among a fully landscaped park, far from the straight paths of traditional animal parks. You can see the animals through large glass panels, which, unlike the usual wire fence, creates a proximity with the public. As regards the animal species, you will see raptors, wolves, lynxes, African giraffes and even sea lions and lemurs. But the stars of the zoo are undoubtedly the manatee, hidden in its freshwater pond in the hothouse, and the anaconda. A lot of emotions and awe in perspective!

The great hothouse.
© F-G Grandin - MNHN

The manatee.
© F-G Grandin - MNHN

The Park is open until mid-October, from 10am to 6pm during the week, and from 9:30am to 7:30pm on the weekends, public holidays and school holidays.
Open from mid-October to mid-March, from 10am to 5pm.
Full rate: €22 / Youth rate (12-25s): €16,50 / Children rate (3-11s): €14 / Free for the under-3s.
Thematic guided tours of 1,5 to 2 hours are organized.
Buy your ticket on the website of the Parc Zoologique de Paris (in French).

Parc Zoologique de Paris
53, avenue de Saint-Maurice
75012 Paris
France
Tel: +33 (0)1 40 79 31 25
Metro: Porte Dorée (line 8), Saint-Mandé and Château de Vincennes (line 1).
Access: junction between the avenue Daumesnil and the route de la Ceinture du Lac - 12th Arrondissement of Paris.

The manatee's pond, in the great hothouse of the zoo.
© F-G Grandin - MNHN

• 
•