Since the Jardin zoologique tropical opened in July 1989, animals have been at the heart of the park’s story. But here they are much more than a list of species on display. Each of them is part of an adventure built over time: memorable arrivals, patience, long-awaited births, daily observation and bonds formed over the years.
A living zoo is not measured only by the number of animals it keeps. Its story is told by the generations born there, by the groups that have formed, and by the species that have found the right conditions to breed, grow and thrive in peace.
This is the living story we would like to share with you.
Tropical birds: the roots of the park
The Jardin zoologique tropical was born from a passion for tropical birds. From the very beginning, they held a central place and largely shaped the park’s identity.
Their diversity, colours, intelligence and fascinating behaviour gave the project its initial momentum. Several historic species are still here today, and some have lived in the park for many years.
Among them, the hornbills hold a special place. Spectacular, rare and captivating to watch, they are part of the soul of the park. Some have been here since the early years, and we are proud to have regular births, proof of a suitable environment and of patient, long-term work.
Lemurs: a turning point in 2008
2008 was a milestone, with the arrival of the lemurs.
They transformed the park and brought a new dimension to the visit. Watching them move around, interact with each other and show their often very expressive attitudes immediately won visitors over.
Today, the Jardin zoologique tropical is home to three species of lemurs, each with its own personality and behaviour.
Their arrival also went hand in hand with the creation of new planted areas, in particular the palm grove, designed to enrich the overall atmosphere of the park.
Squirrel monkeys: a group success story since 2010
In 2010, the squirrel monkeys joined the adventure.
Their energy, liveliness and curiosity made them feel at home straight away. Always active and alert to everything around them, they naturally catch the eye.
We have been lucky enough to have births every year since they arrived, a sign of a balanced group and a favourable environment.
For a zoo team, seeing a group develop, breed and grow over time is always deeply rewarding. Visitors, for their part, regularly discover delightful youngsters to watch.
Tortoises: growing up out of sight before meeting the public
In 2009, several tortoises arrived when they were still very young, less than a year old.
We chose to let them grow up behind the scenes, under the keepers’ watchful eye and away from the public. This quiet growing period was essential for them to develop in the best possible conditions.
It was only in 2015, once they were strong and well settled, that they moved into the areas open to visitors.
This story sums up the way we work: the animal’s needs come first, and presentation to the public comes second.
Miniature donkeys: endearing companions since 2013
The miniature donkeys joined the park in 2013.
They have a special place in visitors’ hearts because they create an instant connection. Their gentleness, calm and familiar presence appeal to children and adults alike.
Our female Perfection has an unusual story: she was born… in Canada.
This small detail shows how surprising an animal’s journey can be, and how some animals carry a unique story with them.
Meerkats: an adventure that began in 2015
The arrival of the meerkats in 2015 made an immediate impression on visitors.
To form a group, a female came from Scotland and a male from Spain: two distant origins brought together at the Jardin zoologique tropical to start a new story.
The result exceeded all expectations: births in the very first year.
Over time, the group grew to 18 individuals in the enclosure. Watching their social organisation, their sentry duty, their constant interactions and their natural curiosity has become one of the great pleasures of the visit.
Every day, the meerkats show how a well-settled species can reveal the full richness of its behaviour.
Births that reward patience
In a zoo, births cannot be ordered. They are often earned through years of consistency, observation and improvement.
When a group breeds regularly, it usually means that several conditions are met:
- a suitable environment,
- balanced social relationships,
- a well-managed diet,
- calm,
- daily attention.
At the Jardin zoologique tropical, we have been fortunate to see many births over the years, in several species. Each one remains a special moment, because it rewards quiet work carried out over the long term.
Watching animals, and following their story
What makes a living park so endearing is not just seeing animals. It is understanding that they have a story here.
A group of meerkats born and raised on site, squirrel monkeys whose generations follow one another, tortoises patiently reared before meeting the public, hornbills that have lived and bred here for years: all of this gives the visit a special depth.
The park never stands still. It evolves with its animals.
A relationship built over time
For more than three decades, the Jardin zoologique tropical has followed the same idea: respecting the rhythms of living things.
Some species arrive, others grow old, young are born, groups re-form, facilities evolve. Nothing is fixed; everything is built over time.
Perhaps this is what visitors so often sense: here, animals are not simply on display. They live in a place that has been built with them.
Our animals, at the heart of the park
The animals give the Jardin zoologique tropical its energy, its rhythm and its emotion.
They amaze children, captivate enthusiasts, sometimes make us laugh and often make us wonder. Above all, they remind us every day of the richness of the living world and of our responsibility towards it.
Discovering our animals means stepping into a story that began in 1989 and continues to be written, season after season.
Plan your visit
Opening hours, prices, feeding times and directions: → everything you need to prepare your visit
The Jardin zoologique tropical regularly features in articles, reports and interviews about its history, animals and botanical collections. → The park in the media (in French)