With its amazing architecture, dated back to the XVIII and XIX century, ´Le Jardin des Plantes` zoo is the oldest zoo in the world conserving its original location. The zoo offers 55000 m2 of botanical gardens which provides a home to thousands of animals.

Created at the end of the 18th century, the zoo has the aim of protecting, conserving and discovering a diversity of species of animals. The animals were sent to the zoo from the Duke of Orléans’s ´La Ménagerie Royale de Versailles; they were taken from the showman when animal street performances were abolished.

Over the years the zoo has grown to include a bear enclosure, various bird cages, a reptile park and more. As the zoo is not very large, it’s principally concerned with the smaller species but is able to boast, 270 mammals of 50 species, 200 reptiles of 40 species, 330 birds of 80 species and 200 amphibians and 1200 invertebrates, all of which help educate the zoo’s youngest visitors. At the heart of your visit to this magnificent attraction you will discover a menagerie of species, colours, furs and feathers.

Snaking through the diverse areas of the park you will find apes, a lions den, a cosy reptile house and even a miniature farm. Full of life and growth, the park is a universe in its self. Taking care of this beautiful space are around 60 people (carers, vets and environmentalists) who can be relied upon 24hours a day.

Don’t miss the bears getting fed every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at around 4p.m. As in every respectable zoo, this menagerie has its stars: like Kiki the giant one hundred year old tortoise and all of his friends, Nénette the orang-utan and his family, the reptiles, the big cats, the crocodiles, the pink flamingos, the birds of pray, and the equally astonishing lamas and donkeys.

Entry to the park is 7euros (if you buy three tickets, you get the fourth on offer) and 5 euros for discounted entry; large families, children between 4-13 years old and groups larger than 10 people. Entry is free for children under 4 years old, the disabled, RMI members and employers of the park.

Useful information: Access to the park can be found on the following streets: La rue Cuvier, rue Buffon, rue Geoffroy-Saint-Hilaire, and place Valhubert Make sure to find near by accommodation early Buses to the park: 24, 57, 61, 63, 67, 89 and 91 Batobus/tourist bus: get off at Jardin des Plantes Metro: line 5 – Austerlitz station, line 7 – Censier Daubenton station and line 10 – Jussieu or Austerlitz station RER C SNCF: Austerlitz and Lyon station Opening times: from 9 a.m to 6 p.m

Note: Your entrance ticket to the zoo will gain you free access to the temporary exposition of ´l´atoll Aldabra`, situated in the heart of the Indian Ocean and still one of the biggest intact natural sanctuaries. At this brand new exposition that awaits you (until the 9th of November 2008) at ´la Rotonde de la Ménagerie`, families can discover this unique environment and be introduced to the exposition’s safeguard of the planet scheme. Note that the exposition closes half an hour before the zoo.