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Animals (giraffes and zebras) in the zoo at Parc de la Tête d’Or. Photo by Romain Berth on

Top 10 Interesting Facts about Zoo De Lyon

Lyon Zoo which is also known as Jardin zoologique de Lyon or Zoo du Parc de la Tete d’Or is a zoo in France located in Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes inside Parc de la Téte in the town of Lyon. Lyon Zoo was founded in 1858 by Claude-Marius Vaisse.

Claude-Marius was a French lawyer who joined the administration of the July Monarchy. Zoo De Lyon is special because it presents three hundred animals.

The three hundred animals are from sixty-six species of nature. The Lyon Zoo is also a member of EAZA.

The European Association of Zoos and Aquaria, EAZA, is an organisation for the European zoo and aquarium community which links over 340 member organisations. EAZA operates the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP) which has been taking care of endangered species.

Several activities usually take place at the zoo with the guidance of tour guards. Zoo De Lyon is also a great place to spend time and enjoy the view of the endangered species of animals.

The animals in Zoo De Lyon are always taken care of by veterinarians as well as custodians to prevent their deaths. Here are the top 10 Interesting Facts about Zoo De Lyon:

1. Lyon Zoo is one of the Oldest in Lyon

Zoo De Lyon is one of the oldest zoos located in Lyon Town, France. It was established in 1858.

This zoo is one hundred and sixty-four years old. It is among one of the most important tourist attractions sites in Lyon.

2. It was Founded by a French Lawyer

In 1858, a Frenchman saw the importance of establishing an area where endangered species will be taken care of. This is how the Zoo De Lyon was established.

French lawyer Claude Marius was the founder of Zoo De Lyon. The lawyer, later on, joined the administration of the July Monarchy.

The July Monarchy was a liberal constitutional monarchy in France under Louis Philippe first that started on 26th July 1830 and ended on 23rd February 1848. Claude is a special person during this period.

3. The Zoo Presents 300 Animals from 66 Species

Animals (giraffes and zebras) in the zoo at Parc de la Tête d’Or. Photo by Romain Berth on

Zoo De Lyon is never as huge as people could expect it to be. It sits on Nine hectares of land which is occupied by several animals.

The zoo presents three hundred animals. These animals are from sixty-six species across the world. There are all kinds of animals ranging from mammals, reptiles and birds too.

4. Zoo De Lyon is a Member of EAZA

The zoo is a member of EAZA. EAZA is the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria.

It was originally the European Community Association of Zoos and Aquaria. This is an organisation for the European zoo and aquarium community which links more than 340 members in forty-one countries.

The organisation operates the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP). They have been safeguarding endangered species of animals. The Lyon Zoo represents France as part of the EAZA programme.

5. It is a Free Zoo on a Sizeable Piece of Land

Lyon zoo is a great place to visit and enjoy more time in. The zoo is a free zone where tourists do not require to pay any entry fees.

Tourists get brilliant opportunities to spend some hours in the zoo and interact with the animals. The zoo is compactly small in size which is great to allow tourists to engage with the animals.

People do not have to walk around a lot like in other zoos because of their size. Zoo De Lyon sits on nine hectares of land.

6. The Zoo is Located in the Parc de la Tete d’Or

Parc de la tête d’Or, 20 March 2015. Photo by El pitareio on Wikimedia

Zoo De Lyon is located within a very lively area to visit and spend worth time. It is located within the Parc de la Téte d’Or.

The Parc de la Tete d’Or which means the park of the golden head is a large urban park located in Lyon. It is approximately one hundred and seventeen hectares (290 acres).

Visitors can get to the zoo through the park via a lake where several activities usually take place too. This is the best area to visit while in Lyon and France.

7. Zoo De Lyon started as a Farm for Educational Purposes

The French lawyer, Claude Marius had a brilliant idea for the area which later became the Lyon Zoo. Earlier on, this region was scheduled to create only a farm for educational purposes.

There were some local wild animals which were to be reared within the zoo. However, with several developments going on, the project increased to accommodate new animals and the park progressively became a real zoo.

8. The Zoo Houses the once Thought Extinct Lion Species, Barbary Lion

Lion at the Zoological Garden of Lyon. Photo by Bradley Griffin on

Among the 66 species of animals found in the Zoo De Lyon is some thought to be extinct animals. The many large animals within the zoo are the very rare lion species known as the Barbary lion.

The Barbary lion became extinct in the wild in 1922. Barbary lion is also known as the North African lion, Berber lion, Atlas lion and Egyptian lion.

It is of the lion subspecies P. I. Leo which lived in the mountains and deserts of the Barbary Coast of North Africa, from Morocco to Egypt. It was once thought to have been eradicated during the widespread use of firearms and bounties for shooting lions. However, some remaining species of the Barbary lion were later on discovered and had to be taken care of.

9. Animal Exhibits usually take place at Zoo De Lyon

Giraffes at the Lyon Zoo. Photo by Elliot Brown on

The zoo is famous for the exhibits they usually hold for tourists and other visitors. Some special and unique animals are usually used in the exhibitions.

Some of the animals that feature in the exhibits include the Asian lion, Giraffes, Gibbons, Amur leopard and Desert crocodile. The exhibitions are one of the entertaining events while at the zoo.

10. Veterinarians play a Huge Role in Taking Care of the Animals

Deer in Lyon Zoo. Photo by Victor Grigas on

The few animals living in the Zoo De Lyon are usually kept healthy by a special team. There is a special team of veterinarians.

These veterinarians have been a part of the history of Lyon Zoo for a long time. Since the 20th century, veterinarians have been present at the zoo.

The work of the veterinarians is to provide care, prevention, and observation of the animals and also take care of their nutrition. They have always been a good team for the Zoo.