Zoo de la Flèche: A Wild Adventure in the Loire Valley

Zoo de la Flèche, formally known as Parc Zoologique du Tertre-Rouge, is a leading zoological park located in La Flèche, Sarthe, France. Founded in 1946, it was the first private zoo in France and has since grown into one of the country's most visited zoos. The zoo is home to approximately 1,500 animals representing 160 different species from across five continents. The zoo is divided into different zones that represent the natural habitats of its animals, including an African plain, Asian jungle, and South American aviary. Visitors can observe a diverse range of species, from mammals like elephants, white tigers, and polar bears to reptiles and birds. The zoo is actively involved in conservation efforts, participating in breeding programs for endangered species and supporting various wildlife organizations. Zoo de la Flèche offers a variety of activities and attractions, including animal feedings, educational presentations, and live shows featuring sea lions and birds of prey. For a more immersive experience, visitors can stay overnight in one of the zoo's safari lodges, which offer unique views of the animal enclosures. The zoo gained further recognition through the television program "Une Saison au Zoo," which followed the daily lives of the zookeepers and animals.