La Palmyre Zoo, also known as the Zoological Gardens of La Palmyre, is a zoo located in Les Mathes, France, near the town of La Palmyre. The zoo is situated within a pine forest, which provides a natural and pleasant setting for visitors.
The zoo was founded in 1966 by Claude Caillé and his father. It covers an area of 18 hectares and is home to over 1,600 animals of 115 different species from all over the world. Some of the zoo's notable species include giraffes, elephants, tigers, lions, gorillas, and rhinos.
In addition to its animal exhibits, La Palmyre Zoo also has a large botanical garden with over 400 plant species, including several rare and endangered species. Visitors can enjoy a variety of shows and activities, including animal feeding demonstrations, bird shows, and educational presentations on the zoo's conservation efforts.
The zoo is involved in several conservation initiatives, such as breeding endangered species and participating in conservation projects around the world. It also has a strong commitment to education, with programs designed for both children and adults.
La Palmyre Zoo is open every day of the year except for Christmas Day. It attracts over 700,000 visitors annually and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the region.