So you went to the Jardin? I thought you only went to the European animal collections most famous for cats. Anyhow, what did an American think of this historic (and in many ways outdated yet charismatic) French zoo?
This year's trip (Sept 2010) I skipped it, but I went on last year's trip (Oct 2009). Went strictly for the historical significance. Honestly, I was quite disappointed. It is just a small meneagerie with unimaginative and outdated exhibits. I think it would serve a better purpose if they emphasized the history more with signs of the old zoo, kept a few animals, and made it kind of a historical museum rather than a pure zoo. Because as a pure zoo, let's face it, it's pretty bad.
@ Baldur: 'outdated yet charismatic' is absolutely the best summation of this zoo.
@ AD: I haven't been since 2002 but I'd broadly agree with your analysis too, though I think a lot could be made of the site if they reduced the number of big animals a bit.
@ Baldur: 'outdated yet charismatic' is absolutely the best summation of this zoo.
@ AD: I haven't been since 2002 but I'd broadly agree with your analysis too, though I think a lot could be made of the site if they reduced the number of big animals a bit.
My visit there was in 2002 too; wonder what it's like today. Back then there was still a bear in the pit, I understand there is something else in there today but don't remember what.
I was impressed by the Carnivore House and I think there is at least one species that they breed well; can't remember if it is Clouded or Snow Leopard or maybe something else.
I went to the menagerie in march 2008, I expected much worse. I enjoyed the interesting variety of species and the use of a historical heritage site of France´s scientific tradition. Some animals were not adequate for the installations, mainly gaur and orangutans. The guidebook was excellent. It mentions that red pandas replaced the bears and bushdogs replaced wolves. Snow leopards, clouded leopards and chinese leopards have all bred at the menagerie.Of course, some of the centuries old cages could best be kept empty. Also the gallery of evolution next door is an amazing natural history museum, which has on the second floor a hall of extinct animals which has quagga , thylacine, and the kouprey on this gallery among other wonders. Again the guidebook for the mueseum is great. True all the guidebooks were in french.
