Beauval Zoo is one of the most beautiful zoos to visit in the world. It welcomes thousands of animals in a vast park, to the delight of visitors and especially children. Here is all the information about the Beauval zoo.
the Beauval Zoo, located in the Centre-Val de Loire region, is an activity and an idea for an ideal outing to do with the family, for a weekend or on a Wednesday. This animal park is home to 800 different animal species, some of which are endangered, over more than 40 hectares. In total, visitors can observe 35,000 animals including hundreds of babies. It is not for nothing that the ZooParc de Beauval East ranked 4th most beautiful zoo in the world, by the Traveller’s Choice Awards 2018. Families visiting the zoo can venture into different territories, attend numerous activities and even stay there thanks to the five hotels present on site. For this year, the park is reinventing itself and offering some new features. Here they are :
What are the new things to discover at Beauval Zoo?
In 2023, the ZooParc de Beauval offers its visitors various novelties. Among them :
- One new territory dedicated to birds : “The Great South American Aviary”. More than 500 birds are welcomed on nearly 2 hectares and the area has several high points to enjoy the view and the aviary.
- One new hotel, the fifth, on the theme of Mexico: called “Les Rivages de Beauval”. Inside the establishment, everything has been designed to transport visitors to Latin America.
- The opening of a local wildlife care center, with a team of veterinarians and trainers. The objective of this program is twofold: to protect rare and endangered animals such as hedgehogs and swallows, to treat them if they are injured and then release them into their natural environment. The centre, near the zoo, will be able to accommodate up to 5,000 animals per year.
What animals to see at ZooParc de Beauval?
In the park of Beauval, tens of thousands of animals are to be seen. Some animal species are rare and unique in France, such as the giant panda, the koala, the harpy eagle, the Tasmanian devil, the yellow-backed duiker or the white tiger and the manatee, respectively native to Asia and Florida. Some animals are unmissable and contribute to the reputation of the park, starting with the giant panda which amazes children and adults!
The panda twins
Since December 11, 2021, visitors to the ZooParc de Beauval can discover the panda twins through the large bay windows of the panda gallery. Baptized respectively Huanlili and Yuandudu, to symbolize the deep ties between China and France, pandas celebrated their first birthday on August 2, 2022. The twins are in good health, “when they are not sleeping, the twins play together and are always so cute”, said the management of the park in a press release. Namely that the godfathers of the panda twins are Kylian Mbappe and Chinese diver Zhang Jiaqi.
Tasmanian Devils
The ZooParc de Beauval 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. Classified as an endangered species, this reception takes place within the framework of a European breeding program (EEP).
The Lions
The lions have their own territory at ZooParc de Beauval ! Since 2017, a magnificent space of 5300 m² has been reserved for them. A long tunnel will allow you to approach the big cats as closely as possible and the decor is astonishing.
Hippopotamuses in underwater vision
The park also hosts a couple of hippos. Visitors benefit from exceptional viewpoints from three terraces, for viewing underwater, on land and from an elevated platform.
What are the advantages of ZooParc de Beauval?
Beauval Zoo offers a multitude of activities for visitors. As a family, it is possible to attend educational activities, shows, and backstage tours of the park, to slip into the shoes of a healer. And that’s not all: like the birds, observe the ZooParc from the sky thanks to the Beauval Clouda gondola 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 route of 800 meters. The bravest will be able to choose to board cabins with a glass floor, so as not to miss anything of the park. There is also an almost heavenly space: the Equatorial Dome which concentrates a wide variety of animals from the tropics (anacondas, giant otters, pygmy hippopotamus, Rodrigues bat, golden lion tamarins, Komodo dragons, Douc langur). In addition, the park is committed to the animal cause on a daily basis. Very involved in animal conservation and the protection of endangered species, the zoo supports more than 40 research and conservation programsthrough its association Beauval Nature,
The opinion of the editorial staff on the ZooParc de Beauval
The editorial staff of the Journal des Femmes visited the ZooParc de Beauval in the middle of summer, in August. At this time of year, the crowd is there when we enter with Maxime, 11 years old, 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 stamping their feet at the idea of meeting the brother and the father of the baby pandas! The day will not be too much to discover the 20 territories of the ZooParc. First of all, discover the Equatorial Dome which immerses young and old in a tropical paradise. Maxime and Lilah no longer know where to turn because there are so many animals. They will fall in love with the pygmy hippopotamus and the manatee. They won’t see the rest of the day pass as there are so many worlds to discover and so many shows. They will finish it by meeting the father and the brother of the twin pandas who are sheltered with their mother. A big moment ! Advice to visitors: Reserve pushchairs for children who can’t or can’t walk because they are the ones who cause traffic jams.
What are the Beauval Zoo hotels?
You want to spend a stay at ZooParc de Beauval to make the most of it? The park is home to 5 hotel establishments:
- “The Gardens of Beauval”, located 5 minutes walk from the ZooParc, visitors are greeted by animal statues and the song of birds in a hotel with carved wooden doors and colorful paintings, made by Balinese artisans. To return to their pavilion, they must take a charming wooden pontoon above the water. To from 100 euros per night.
- “The Pagodas of Beauval”, located about 7 minutes from the Park. In flamboyant red, this hotel transports visitors to China. You can even enjoy a break at the lagoon pool. From 135 euros per night.
- “The heights of Beauval”, with its exotic décor and warm colours, is an escape to the African continent. Families will particularly appreciate its play areas for children and its three minutes to reach the Park by car (from 103 euros per night for an adult). Finally, the most independent can 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 7 minutes by car from the ZooParc. From 105 euros per night.
- “The Hamlets of Beauval” offer a change of scenery towards Vietnam and Southeast Asia. In this establishment, families can book apartments for up to 8 people. Gardens border the hamlets and a swimming pool is accessible. From 100 euros per night.
- The last opened “The Shores of Beauval”for a colorful and spicy stay in Latin America. From 95 euros per night.
What activities are offered to zoo visitors?
The ZooParc de Beauval offers many activities to visitors, which allow them to be real actors in the life of the park! Become day caretaker in the zoological park and learn the secrets of this trade. The animator takes you behind the scenes of the park, the way of life of the animals, the different types of food to give, etc. This half-day remains engraved in the memories! Many shows and entertainment are organized by the park: the educational activities involve many animals such as penguins, gorillas and giant pandas. Children are not left out and can also become junior trainers. Game books and books are also offered to them.
Address of ZooParc de Beauval
Where is the park located in France? ZooParc de Beauval, 41110 Saint-Aignan-sur-Cher (Loir-et-Cher)
ZooParc de Beauval phone number : 02 54 75 50 00
ZooParc de Beauval opening hours
Open every day (including public holidays) from 9 a.m. The park closes at dusk.
More information on the ZooParc de Beauval official website : www.zoobeauval.com
When is the best time to visit Beauval Zoo?
To avoid the crowds of visitors and the high temperatures, it is advisable to visit Beauval Zoo outside of major holidays, and to favor a visit in spring or autumn. Another tip: go there as soon as the park opens, at 9 am.
ZooParc de Beauval prices
- 1 day ticket : from 27 euros for children (from 3 to 10 years old) and 34 euros for adults.
- 2 day ticket : from 40.5 euros for children and 51 euros for adults.
Other prices: classic ZooPass 1 year from 64 euros for children (from 3 to 10 years old) and 78 euros for adults from 11 years old.