Ménagerie, the zoo of the garden of plants

The Ménagerie du Jardin des Plantes opened in 1794. Over more than two centuries, it has been home to many species, including celebrated longstanding residents like Zarafa the giraffe in the 19th century, and today, Nénette, the female orangutan. This long history is visible in its buildings, listed historic monuments that provide part of the charm of your visit.

The zoo is home to a highly diverse group of 1,800 occupants, including mammals, birds, tortoises, crocodiles, lizards, snakes, amphibians, insects, crustaceans and arachnids. Small and medium-sized animals, best suited to the dimensions of the site, predominate. A conservation space for threatened species and a renowned centre of research, the menagerie is also home to many endangered animals.

After your visit, wander along the alleys of the beautiful Jardin des Plantes or visit a tropical forest – whatever the season – inside the garden’s extraordinary 17th-century greenhouses, the Grandes Serres.