Did you know?

THE ANIMALS

Where do the animals come from?

98% of zoo animals are born in captivity.
They are exchanged between different zoos through the EEP. Collecting animals in the wild is now prohibited (with a few exceptions), but there are still some animals which were taken from the wild before the laws came into effect (often as gifts between Heads of State). We now aim to breed these species in captivity.

What do the animals eat in the zoo?

Each species is given feed appropriate to its dietary needs: meat for the carnivores, mainly forage for the herbivores, etc… Each year, the animals at the zoo consume:

375

tons of hay

tons of pellets for herbivorous animals

tons of meat

tons of apple

tons of carrot

tons of fruits and vegetables

Can we feed the animals?

No, feeding the animals is absolutely forbidden. They are carefully monitored by their keepers, the biologist and the veterinary surgeon, who work out a balanced and appropriate diet for them. Feeding them unfamiliar food could make them seriously ill or even provoke fights between the animals!

What can we do to protect these animals?

We have to start by focussing on everyday actions: saving energy, using eco-friendly products, recycling waste… Making family and friends aware of these problems and refusing to become involved in any kind of animal trafficking (live animals, tortoise shells, etc.) are also fundamental.

You can also support organisations working to protect fauna and flora, either by giving your time or by making a financial donation. Ecofaune, a zoological charity founded by La Barben, can also collect your donations and pass them on to other organisations which work in the field to protect wild animals.

THE ZOO

A few statistics…

700

animals

130

species

hectares of parc

km of paths for visitors!

How much subsidy does the zoo get?

This zoo is entirely privately run and does not receive any subsidy. It relies completely on the income it generates to continue its work and to renovate, improve and enlarge the enclosures… So it’s the many visitors it welcomes every year who make everything possible!

Can we give animals to the zoo?

No, we never accept animals from private individuals. The best solution is always to think carefully before taking an animal into your home, to avoid the possibility of having to abandon it due to lack of space or time to look after it properly…

Can we bring an injured animal to the zoo?

French laws on wildlife protection mean we cannot accept injured animals. You should arrange for them to be taken to an approved animal rescue centre.

If you find an injured bird, you should contact the bird rescue centre: Centre de soins de Pont de Gau (Camargue) on 04.90.97.82.62

For injured birds and mammals, contact the regional wildlife rescue centre: Centre Régional de Sauvegarde de la Faune Sauvage de Buoux on 04.90.74.52.44.

How can I become a zookeeper?

Being a zookeeper is a great job! You need to be adaptable, enjoy working in a team, be good with people (our visitors), work rigorously to a high standard and have plenty of energy! There are three colleges in France where you can obtain this qualification (be warned – they take very few students): the Centre de Formation d’Apprentis Agricoles du Lot (CFAA) at Gramat, the Institut Rural de Carquefou and the Centre de Formation Professionnelle et de Promotion Agricole de Loir-et-Cher (CFPPA) at Vendôme.

Does the zoo offer work placements?

Unfortunately, we are unable to accept all the requests we receive. We prioritise students on zookeeping courses and those studying biology or veterinary medicine, in their second year or above.