Thoiry Zoological Park and Château open their doors for a new season, from February 13 to November 13, 2016. This year, the family is joined by 3 new species: vicuñas, oryx and the famous spotted hyenas.
Here's a piece of news that will delight children and animal lovers alike: the Parc Zoologique de Thoiry and its château will be opening their doors again from February 13 , 2016 for a new 2016 season. Just before Valentine's Day and the start of the February vacations, to delight lovers and families in search of strolls and discoveries.
New species :
- The spotted hyena
The spotted hyena is Africa's largest carnivore after the lion. Measuring between 1 and 1.50 meters in height and weighing between 45 and 60 kg for males and 55 and 80 kg for females, it resembles a large, ungainly dog. Their entire body is covered in thick, sandy hair with shades of gray, russet or brown. Its back, flanks, rump and limbs are speckled with dark spots that distinguish it from other hyena species and explain its name.
The group of two males and two females is set in a large 1,500 m2 park planted with trees, which visitors can enter through a partially buried glass tunnel. This "labelled" Parc et Château de Thoiry presentation, famous for its original installations that immerse the public among the animals, is being used for the first time in the world for hyenas. A new feature is the addition of tunnels andimmersion bubbles at child height. For those who fear visual "confrontation", an observation hut has also been installed on one side of the park, offering a more traditional observation angle. Young and old alike will have the opportunity to observe these large African carnivores, little known to the public and rarely represented in zoos, relatively discreetly and up close.
- Vigognes
Installed at the entrance to the park on foot, this species of South American mammal lives on the high plateaus of the Andes mountain range.
- Oryx algazelles
Magnificent antelopes from North Africa, considered extinct in the wild, living in semi-liberty in the heart of the Animal Reserve among a dozen other species.
- Dholes or Asian Cuons
In spring, the Parc et Château de Thoiry welcomes a group of 17 dholes. Also known as Asian cuons, the dholes will settle into the Park on foot opposite other carnivores such as tigers, Chinese panthers, cheetahs and snow leopards. This species of canid is considered "Endangered" by the IUCN. Fewer than 10,000 individuals remain in the wild.
Other news :
- The Parc et Château de Thoiry labyrinth gets a makeover
Opened in 1995 and planted with 5,600 yew trees, this 6,200 m2 vegetated labyrinth has nine bridges. It is one of the largest in France.
In April 2016, it became the playground of Foufou, the little brother of Noé, the naturalist from the Arche des petites bêtes. Foufou engages in far-fetched experiments, most often resulting in the creation of strange animals.
Through treasure hunts and activities that take them to the heart of the labyrinth, visitors, while taking part in Foufou's incredible adventure, try to get him back on the right track!
The program of events in 2016:
- Sunday February 14 - Valentine's Evening
Looking for a romantic dinner in an exceptional château? Château de Thoiry opens its doors to lovers for a wonderful evening. Harp concert, champagne, open fire, gourmet candlelit dinner... All the ingredients are there to make this evening dedicated to love an unforgettable interlude.
- Sunday, March 27 and 28 - Egg hunt
Set off in search of Easter eggs in the Thoiry estate, and keep an eye out... It's Easter for the animals too! Every year, thousands of chocolate eggs are hidden for visitors to discover in the castle grounds.
- Sunday June 5: Conservation Day
The Parc et Château de Thoiry is organizing a day dedicated to the conservation of endangered animal species on Sunday June 5, 2016. On the program: events and conferences to raise visitors' awareness and teach them more about threatened species and natural environments, not forgetting the means implemented by the Park to protect them via its Thoiry Peaugres Conservation (TPC) endowment fund.
- Sunday June 19 - Summer solstice
The Count of La Panouse invites visitors to join him at 5:15 a.m. to celebrate this astronomical event. The summer solstice occurs when the sun, at its furthest point from the equator, marks the start of the summer season. Guests discover the sun rising in the central arch of the château. They are welcomed by the Count, who reveals the secrets of the residence and gives the symbolic and scientific keys to the phenomenon. The celebration ends with a special visit to the Animal Reserve, where visitors can watch the animals wake up.
- October: Halloween evenings
What could be scarier and more exciting than celebrating Halloween in a large, imposing castle surrounded by animals of all kinds? Deer and wolves, of course, but you may also come across gnomes and magical creatures. Enter the world of Château de Thoiry, which will be decked out in its finest cobwebs for the occasion. You're sure to be amazed.
In addition to special events, the Zoo also offers VIP visits. Find out more:
- VIP Mornings
For one morning, visitors can take a behind-the-scenes look at Thoiry Park and Castle. Accompanied by a guide, they discover the daily life of the Park's zoological team and the animals they care for. From the elephants' medical training to the lions' outing, the program is full of discoveries and emotions!
- A privileged moment with the felines
The Parc et Château de Thoiry offers cat lovers an exceptional two-hour visit in the company of the felines. These privileged moments offer enthusiasts the chance to learn more about these emblematic animals, in particular their anatomy, diet, hunting techniques and habits, as well as the issues involved in their conservation.
- A privileged moment with the little beasts
The Arche des petites bêtes at the Parc et Château de Thoiry opens its doors, and introduces the public to the secrets of the thousands of amphibians, reptiles and invertebrates that live there! Over the course of two hours, an animal manager will introduce visitors to these fascinating species, the daily care they receive, and the conservation programs the Park supports in their natural habitats. A "one-on-one" encounter with the Komodo monitor lizards brings this unforgettable morning to a close.
- The moment of privilege with the giants of the Animal Reserve
Fascinating in their size, the great herbivores arouse admiration. They are emblematic yet fragile species. Indeed, elephants, giraffes and rhinoceroses are seeing their wild populations dwindle by the day. Thanks to this privileged moment, visitors discover these giants of the savannah through their diet, their habits, their reproduction and, above all, their conservation. A special moment to better understand the need to protect these animals whose image is so familiar to us.
- Budding animal keeper
Becoming an animal keeper can't be invented! Cleaning, feeding, observing and entertaining - these are the tasks that the zoological team at the Parc et Château de Thoiry will entrust to curious youngsters during this half-day of discovery.
- In the shoes of an animal keeper
For one morning, the Parc et Château de Thoiry invites you to change jobs and discover the world of animal keepers. This half-day is a unique opportunity to go behind the scenes of the Park and enjoy some unique moments. The daily lives of the animal caretakers and the animals in their care are revealed through a variety of activities. Roll up your sleeves and slip into the shoes of an animal keeper!
Practical info:
Official website: Zoo et Parc de Thoiry
From February 13 to November 13, 2016
Location: Château de Thoiry, Rue du Pavillon de Montreuil, 78770 Thoiry
Times: 10am-5pm or 6pm daily, depending on the date
Price: €30, €24 child rate, free for children under 3
Information and reservations: chateau@thoiry.net - 01 34 87 49 26
Please note that it's been over 4 years since our last visit, so the place and experience may have changed.
