Beauval ZooParc announced the death of its founder Françoise Delord on December 3. Back on his career and the creation of one of the most beautiful zoos in the world.
[Mise à jour du 6 décembre à 13h33]. Françoise Delord, the founder of ZooParc de Beauval has died this Friday, December 3, AFP said. “It is with immense emotion and great sadness that we inform you of the death of Françoise Delord this Friday, December 3“Said her daughter Delphine, deputy director of the zoo.”Françoise Delord leaves an imprint of inestimable value for all those who defend biodiversity in the worldhis family added. It was in 1980 that Françoise Delord founded the zoo in Saint-Aignan, in the Loir-et-Cher. Initially, she wanted to become an actress and had studied theater. A subscriber to a children’s magazine, one day she receives silver beaks, a couple of African birds, which will somewhat change her plans. She then decides to buy 300 birds, and the Beauval property. She bought the first felines in 1989, then a pair of white tigers in 1991, not forgetting the giant pandas in 2012. The Beauval ZooParc lost its founder, who worked for animals, and made this zoo one of the of the most beautiful in the world.
Baby pandas: first names, when can we see them?
Visitors to Beauval ZooParc will be able to see the panda binoculars from this December 11, they will be able to discover the two baby pandas born in August 2021, through the large picture windows of the panda gallery. “Very active and playful (the Twins) spend a lot of time heckling together“, explains the management of the ZooParc quoted by France Blue Touraine.
The final names of the panda twins were unveiled during an official ceremony on November 18, 2021 at Beauval ZooParc. Those are the godfathers of the panda twins, Kylian Mbappé and the Chinese diver Zhang Jiaqi who had the honor to announce the first names which thus replace “Cotton flower “and” Little snow“.”It is an honor for Beauval that such athletes bend over the cradle of our baby panda. Their commitment highlights, especially among young people, the importance of protecting endangered species and biodiversity “, said the director of the Beauval zoo Delphine Delord.
“Cotton flower” is baptized Huanlili
43% of Internet users voted online for the first name Huanlili. The first Huan syllable comes from the name of the mother Huan Huan and the last two syllables refer to the pronunciation of the Parisian capital.
Little snow is named Yuandudu
Kylian Mbappé has in turn revealed the first name of the second panda Yuandudu. These two names evoke the wish for healthy growth for babies and symbolize the deep links between China and France.
At the end of March, the female Huan Huan, belonging to the giant pandas race, and her male counterpart Yuan Zi had attempted to mate and artificial insemination had been carried out at the same time because the female panda is only fertile for one to two days per year. It was thanks to artificial insemination that Huan Huan also gave birth on August 4, 2017, Yuan Meng, the first panda born in France.
ZooParc de Beauval: in the Loir-et-Cher, one of the most beautiful zoos in the world
Located in Saint-Aignan, in the Loir-et-Cher department, the Beauval ZooParc is classified as one of the 5 most beautiful zoos in the world. This animal park covers more than 40 hectares, counts 10,000 animals of more than 600 different species, and counts nearly 750 births. Very involved in animal conservation and protection of endangered species, the Beauval zoo contributes to diversity through its association Beauval Nature, in particular by supporting more than 40 research and conservation programs. It’s a magical and fun day that awaits you at the Zooparc, where you will be able to see the famous giant pandas, whose presence is unique in France! The opportunity also to meet the famous Yuan Meng and to attend educational activities, shows, and behind-the-scenes tours of the park as a family, to slip into the shoes of a healer. Beauval ZooParc also has a mobile phone application, which will simplify your visit! And that’s not all: like birds, observe the ZooParc from the sky thanks to the Beauval cloud, a cable car system, electric and silent. Located 35 meters above the ground, these aerial cabins take you from one end of the park to the other, on a course of 800 meters. The bravest can choose to climb aboard cabins with a glass floor, so as not to miss anything in the park.
The editorial team has tested for you
In this month of August, the crowd is at the rendezvous when we enter with Maxime, 11, and Lilah, in the largest zoo in France. But we do not wait much despite the verification of the health pass. The children are already excited to meet the brother and father of baby pandas! The day will not be too long to discover the 20 territories of the ZooParc. First of all, let’s explore Equatorial Dome which plunges young and old into a tropical paradise. Maxime and Lilah don’t know where to turn because the animals are numerous. They will fall in love with the dwarf hippopotamus and the manatee. They will not see the rest of the day go by as there are so many worlds to discover and the multiple shows. They will end it by meeting the father and the brother of the panda twins who are at the shelter with their mother. A big moment ! A little advice for visitors: reserve strollers for children who can hardly or can not walk because they are the ones causing traffic jams!
Which animals to see at Beauval ZooParc?
Giant pandas, white tigers, and wild animals await young and old, and educational activities (apprentice healers …) as well as shows are organized. In total, more than 8,000 animals live in Beauval ZooParc, namely 600 species from all over the world. Some are unmissable and contribute to the park’s fame, starting with the giant panda which amazes children and adults! Two pandas, from China, live in Beauval. Discover other rare species like the white tiger and the manatee, respectively native to Asia and Florida. Young and old alike benefit from the presence of wild animals, primates, fish, birds and even aquatic mammals: so many species that do not fail to fascinate! It is a journey through the continents that awaits you in Beauval.
Tasmanian devils at Beauval ZooParc
Beauval ZooParc welcomed new residents in 2019: tasmanian devils ! These stocky little marsupials are native to the island of Tasmania, an Australian state, and are best known for their very shrill cry. Listed as an endangered species, this reception takes place within the framework of a European breeding program (EEP).
Land of the Lions at Beauval Zoo
Lions are kings at Beauval ZooParc ! Since 2017, a magnificent space of 5,300 m² has been reserved for them. A long tunnel will allow you to get as close as possible to the wild animals and the scenery is astonishing.
Hippos in underwater vision
For the first time in Beauval, a large park welcomes a couple of hippos. Visitors benefit from exceptional vantage points from three tiered terraces, for a view underwater, at land level and from an elevated platform.
Where to stay in Beauval ZooParc?
You want to spend a stay at Beauval ZooParc to make the most of it? The park houses 3 hotels and a hotel residence.
- In the Beauval gardens located 5 minutes walk from the ZooParc, visitors are greeted by animal statues and birdsong in a hotel with carved wooden doors and colorful paintings, made by Balinese artisans. To get back to their lodge, they have to take a charming wooden pontoon above the water. (from 129 euros per night for an adult)
- Another atmosphere in the Beauval Pagodas located about 7 minutes from the Park. Flamboyant red, this hotel transports visitors to China. You can even enjoy a break at the lagoon pool (from 114 euros per night for an adult)
- Finally, it is an escape to Africa that offers The Hauts de Beauval with an exotic decor and the warm colors of this continent. Families will particularly appreciate its play areas for children and its three-minute drive to the Park (from 103 euros per night for an adult). Finally, the most independent will be able to let themselves be seduced by the hotel residence Les Hameaux de Beauval and its apartments with one to three bedrooms. Bathed in a Vietnamese atmosphere, it is located a 7-minute drive from the ZooParc (from 100 euros per night for an adult).
Address of Beauval ZooParc
ZooParc de Beauval, 41110 Saint-Aignan-sur-Cher (Loir-et-Cher)
Beauval ZooParc phone : 02 54 75 50 00
Beauval ZooParc opening hours
Opening on May 25, 2021, from 9 a.m. The park closes at nightfall.
Beauval ZooParc official website : www.zoobeauval.com
Become a healer for a day at Beauval Zoo!
The Beauval ZooParc offers many activities to visitors, which allow them to be real actors in the life of the park! Become a healer for a day in the zoo and learn the secrets of this profession. The host takes you behind the scenes of the park, the animals’ way of life, the different types of food to give, etc. This half-day will be forever remembered! Several shows and activities are organized by the park: educational activities involve many animals such as penguins, gorillas and giant pandas. Children are not left out and can also become junior trainers. Playbooks and readings are also offered to them.