Visiting Zoo de la Flèche
In La Flèche, located in the Sarthe department, you will find the zoo bearing the same name. Known to many as the subject of a documentary series on France 4, the park also manages conservation programs and offers on-site lodging.
History
In 1946, Jacques Bouillault, a French naturalist, decided to set up shop in a pavilion on the Tertre-Rouge hill, just outside La Flèche. With a significant plot of land at his disposal, he began collecting animals and eventually founded the Tertre-Rouge zoological park.
The park expanded in 1960 with the addition of a natural history museum, which showcased 500 taxidermied specimens of regional fauna. By 1971, the park added a large vivarium to its facilities.
Following a difficult period in the 1980s, the park filed for bankruptcy in 1988. It was purchased by Raymond Da Cunha, who rebranded the facility as Zoo de la Flèche.
Development has remained constant since. A water complex named Marine World opened in 1997, followed in 2000 by the addition of a falconry show to the park's lineup of attractions. That same year marked the start of the zoo's formal partnerships with conservation programs.
Zoo de la Flèche
The zoo spans 18 hectares (about 44 acres). Visitors can view 1600 animals representing over 160 species.
Beyond the traditional zoo layout, you will find specialized enclosures like the one for Sumatran tigers and immersive spaces such as Nosy Komba, which allows you to walk among lemurs, tortoises, and cranes. The Asian plains area features rhinoceroses, antelopes, and red pandas.
Zoo de la Flèche is highly active in conservation, participating in roughly 40 programs throughout Europe. They also provide support for international efforts in Brazil and Indonesia.
After a day immersed in nature, you can rest in one of the park's lodges for a close encounter with the wild.
Aside from the small giraffe enclosure, this zoo offers well-designed and well-maintained enclosures that allow you to see quite a few animals. Some might not necessarily show themselves, but that is part of the game.
I really enjoyed watching the shows with the sea lions and the birds of prey. Check the times so you do not miss them.
As for the rest, the park is pretty clean and the signage is easy to understand. Watch out for the lines to buy food during peak hours. Bring your own snacks.