By Jessica Pierné
Golden monkeys for the 45th anniversary of the Beauval ZooParc
Ranked the fourth most beautiful zoo in the world, the Beauval ZooParc amazes visitors and pushes the immersive experience in a unique setting. For the park's 45th anniversary, three golden monkeys, rare primates with golden fur, have just arrived. A real event, since it is the first time that these exceptional monkeys have been entrusted to a zoological park outside of Asia. This rare species, in danger of extinction, has just joined a unique conservation program. "Like the pandas, the arrival of these primates strengthens the ties between France and China in terms of animal preservation.", asserted Rodolphe Delord, director of Beauval Zoo. Entrusted by China for a period of 10 years, the three primates are housed in optimal conditions. The president of the French Association of Zoological Parks hopes to have babies soon that can be returned to China for reintroduction into the wild.
Pandas, other stars of the animal park
The immersive journey continues in the Asian region. Despite the departure of the first panda born in France to China, these extraordinary animals remain the stars of Beauval. People come to see them, sometimes from very far away. The panda also became a symbol in the 60s when the founders of the WWF chose this animal as the foundation's logo. Despite the many visitors, they remain very easy to observe!
Krüger, the king of Beauval
To satisfy our desire for Jack London-style adventures, Beauval Zoo offers an immersion in a setting worthy of the film Out of Africa. Like in the legendary scenes of the film, this animal experience takes us on a journey through time, revealing a small African savannah populated by giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, rhinoceroses, and wild cats. The star of this savannah: Krüger, the male lion of Beauval. A young lion bursting with energy, Krüger has no shortage of appetite: he can devour up to six chickens in a single meal! The undisputed leader of the pride, he reigns over the Beauval lion clan. Krüger is also a proud father, father of numerous lion cubs who are as cute as they are mischievous.
An equatorial dome for immersion in the jungle
The Beauval ZooParc's tropical forest is a real highlight. The journey begins in South America, home to the largest group of Caribbean manatees in Europe. Here, the lush vegetation reinforces the feeling of being immersed in the jungle. Throughout the visit, you'll discover species such as alligators, the Komodo dragon, the pygmy hippopotamus, and the tamandua, a species of anteater. This enchanting interlude beneath the 38-meter-high dome is a complete change of scenery.
Gorilla in the Mist
One of Beauval's most iconic animals, the silverback is the largest of the primates. While Diane Fossey has dedicated her life to protecting gorillas, they remain victims of poaching and critically endangered. A program managed by the Aspinall association and supported by the Beauval Nature association has been implemented.
Take to the skies with the Masters of the Air
45 years ago, Françoise Delord opened a bird park in the place called Beauval in Saint-Aignan without suspecting that it would become one of the largest zoos in the world. In tribute to its founder and to raise visitors' awareness of nature, the show "Masters of the Air" is a vast open-air theater designed to immerse the audience in the birds' environment. Spectators witness a magnificent ascent of power by 450 birds in free flight. Owls, pelicans, birds of prey, parrots, and a few rare species soar above the heads of the 3000 spectators. A ballet unlike any other in the world!
Memory of a report with Françoise Delord, founder of the zoo, and Nanouk, a baby white lion in 2001
Françoise Delord had founded the Beauval Zoo 45 years ago. This former presenter of shows at the Bobinot music hall decided to leave her Parisian apartment and buy the Beauval property to house her 350 birds. And it was in 1980 that it all began with the opening of an ornithological park. Beauval became a zoo in 1989 with the purchase of the first felines. Its reputation took off after the purchase of a pair of white tigers in 1991, even becoming international with the arrival of giant pandas on loan from China. Today, the ZooParc de Beauval, directed by her son Rodolphe Delord, is ranked the fourth most beautiful zoo in the world.
ROUTE LOG:
GO
By car: Beauval Zoo, Avenue du Blanc, 41 Saint-Aignan-sur-Cher (Loir-et-Cher). Located between Tours and Vierzon, in the heart of Sologne, 110 km from Paris.
PRICES
One day adult: from €37; children aged 3 to 10: from €30. Two days adult: from €60, children from €49. Hotel & Park from €92/person
