At least the red pandas should be in the exhibit previously for the clouded leopards. Both individuals, old, died this year.
Le Parc des Félins Parc des Felins news
Not very original.
This park had everything going for it to stand out from the others, especially in its region (Paris and eastern Paris). Keep in mind that Le Lumigny Safari Reserve is a 45-minute drive from the Paris-Vincennes Zoo, a 25-minute drive from the Attilly Zoo, and an 18-minute drive from Parrot World!
But the new management's choices are probably crucial for boosting the park's popularity (hotel, dinosaurs, "generalist" collection, species seen and reviewed in french zoos)...
This park had everything going for it to stand out from the others, especially in its region (Paris and eastern Paris). Keep in mind that Le Lumigny Safari Reserve is a 45-minute drive from the Paris-Vincennes Zoo, a 25-minute drive from the Attilly Zoo, and an 18-minute drive from Parrot World!
But the new management's choices are probably crucial for boosting the park's popularity (hotel, dinosaurs, "generalist" collection, species seen and reviewed in french zoos)...
It was to be expected ever since the name change to “Parc de Lumigny.” The entities “Parc des Félins” and “Terre des Singes” were no more, this name change was clearly aimed at bringing the collection back to something more classic, and that’s exactly what they’re doing.
So yes, I agree that red pandas and Asian small-clawed otters are fairly typical choices, but it’s an inevitable step when undergoing such a transition, and they’re great crowd-pleasers.
Despite these easy choices, I still find some decisions that really stand out like the cheetah breeding center or the choice to renovate aviaries for cat species the public doesn’t know at all! Choosing to renovate while also creating something new is, in my opinion, very good news!
So yes, I agree that red pandas and Asian small-clawed otters are fairly typical choices, but it’s an inevitable step when undergoing such a transition, and they’re great crowd-pleasers.
Despite these easy choices, I still find some decisions that really stand out like the cheetah breeding center or the choice to renovate aviaries for cat species the public doesn’t know at all! Choosing to renovate while also creating something new is, in my opinion, very good news!
That's still sad, in an area where there are already several generalist zoos, to become another one...
Canada lynx, asian leopard cat, Pallas cat, now clouded leopard...they lost several felid species in the last few years and many cats still here are old and we can expect more species to be gone from the collection in the years to come. They had something unique. No other place in the world had that many felid species in the same place.
It don't make me dream anymore. The feline lover I am is now more hyped by zoos like Le domaine des fauves.
Canada lynx, asian leopard cat, Pallas cat, now clouded leopard...they lost several felid species in the last few years and many cats still here are old and we can expect more species to be gone from the collection in the years to come. They had something unique. No other place in the world had that many felid species in the same place.
It don't make me dream anymore. The feline lover I am is now more hyped by zoos like Le domaine des fauves.
I’m sorry, but I don’t see how the “Domaine des Fauves” collection is more interesting, because apart from a very nice collection of Strigiformes, it’s clearly less impressive than “Lumigny.” And let’s be honest in a few years, both collections will be quite similar.
Yes, it’s sad that they’re reducing the number of felines, but is it really a bad choice to move toward a more generalist collection, even if for now they’re focusing more on carnivores?
It’s not “Lumigny’s” fault for taking this direction, but rather the result of the current context. The disappearance of certain species from European collections doesn’t always come down to lack of space or lack of public interest, but often to EEPs that are sustained only by small populations, with poor reproduction rates and few compatible pairs which is even more true for felines.
Given the situation, I think this change in direction has come at the right time maybe even a little late because, as you said, aging animals mean replacements are needed, not because of a lack of desire to keep the same species, but because of the shortage of individuals. So yes, unfortunately, they have to move toward a more generalist approach.
Yes, it’s sad that they’re reducing the number of felines, but is it really a bad choice to move toward a more generalist collection, even if for now they’re focusing more on carnivores?
It’s not “Lumigny’s” fault for taking this direction, but rather the result of the current context. The disappearance of certain species from European collections doesn’t always come down to lack of space or lack of public interest, but often to EEPs that are sustained only by small populations, with poor reproduction rates and few compatible pairs which is even more true for felines.
Given the situation, I think this change in direction has come at the right time maybe even a little late because, as you said, aging animals mean replacements are needed, not because of a lack of desire to keep the same species, but because of the shortage of individuals. So yes, unfortunately, they have to move toward a more generalist approach.
I obviously agree with Panthera9, but that's also the purpose of a forum; not everyone shares the same opinion, and I respect everyone's !
Personally, I take advantage of visiting zoos while there are still species. Zoos will have the same collections of 200 "trendy" species and those in EEPs. I find that regrettable, but that's just my opinion.
Similarly, I've always thought there were flaws and limitations in how the EAZA operates. The difference between its creation and today is striking. That's just my opinion
Personally, I take advantage of visiting zoos while there are still species. Zoos will have the same collections of 200 "trendy" species and those in EEPs. I find that regrettable, but that's just my opinion.
Similarly, I've always thought there were flaws and limitations in how the EAZA operates. The difference between its creation and today is striking. That's just my opinion
Of course, everyone has their own opinion, and I respect that, I never implied otherwise.
Unfortunately, we have to face the facts, zoo collections are going to change in the coming years. Populations of rarer species are based on extremely limited genetic diversity, and that’s where the real problem lies. One possible solution would be to bring in new blood from other continents, but that requires a lot of administrative effort and money, provided there are no health issues involved.
I agree that the EAZA has its flaws, but the situation depends on so many factors that it’s more complex than it seems. Another issue is that few parks turn to private breeders, or only when it suits them which limits genetic exchange even further.
But this isn’t just a European issue; it’s the same situation in zoos all over the world, on every continent!
Maybe what’s really needed are true global breeding programs, but only if the transport of animals across the world could be made easier.
Unfortunately, we have to face the facts, zoo collections are going to change in the coming years. Populations of rarer species are based on extremely limited genetic diversity, and that’s where the real problem lies. One possible solution would be to bring in new blood from other continents, but that requires a lot of administrative effort and money, provided there are no health issues involved.
I agree that the EAZA has its flaws, but the situation depends on so many factors that it’s more complex than it seems. Another issue is that few parks turn to private breeders, or only when it suits them which limits genetic exchange even further.
But this isn’t just a European issue; it’s the same situation in zoos all over the world, on every continent!
Maybe what’s really needed are true global breeding programs, but only if the transport of animals across the world could be made easier.
Same as you, I visit while the species are still here and I'm glad to have visited Lumigny when it still was the Parc des Félins in all its glory of felids diversity.
Especially thanks to that, of all felid species in european zoos, I only lack 2 in my files (southern oncilla, they where here but I didn't see them, and Sunda leopard cat, not present in French zoos).
As I have aged, I have tried to concern myself less as to whether or not there is a decline going on under the EAZA.
I do think the species which are held in captivity change around during the decades... I think that's simply a fact of life with exotic species in managed settings. And so much as then new species still come into the zoo and out of the zoo ... but often it's different. And for the longest time something like the Golden Snub-nosed Monkey was something effectively ruled out of ever coming to Europe.. but here we are. The times are a-changing, as they always have.
Nate-san
Member
The red pandas and otters will be in the exhibit previously for the Asian golden cats. In 2026, the lumigny safari reserve will have other species: black bear and american buffalo. There will be in the exhibit previously for the females cheetahs (and the other exhibit is build in the other side of the road).
I dont' know if the clouded leopard exhibit will remain for the same species, same for pallas cat exhibit. I hope they will have an other couple of clouded leopard because it is my favorite species ever.
I dont' know if the clouded leopard exhibit will remain for the same species, same for pallas cat exhibit. I hope they will have an other couple of clouded leopard because it is my favorite species ever.
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Moorhunhe
Well-Known Member
Same. We went in 2023 and very glad we made the drive over there as we both loved it and were talking about going back, but we won't anymore because it had something special. With species coming in now we can see "anywhere" it's a bit of a shame I think.