Stars of the Park

Two brown bears, Dominique and Kiwi, share a 7,000 m² enclosure and are the park's most talked-about residents. Kiwi has a cinematic past — she played the bear in Jean-Jacques Annaud's beloved 1988 film The Bear. European wolves, a powerful presence in their forested paddock, draw crowds at feeding times, as do the sleek European otters and the strikingly beautiful Arctic foxes.↗

Bird-of-prey enthusiasts will spot the griffon vulture, Egyptian vulture and several owl species including the great grey owl and tawny owl. The magot macaque, Europe's only wild monkey, adds a lively primate dimension.↗

Conservation at Work

Behind the visitor paths, Zoodyssée manages three captive-breeding programmes recognised by the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums (EAZA): the European Mink, one of the world's most endangered carnivores; the Great Bustard, Europe's heaviest flying bird; and the European Pond Terrapin. In 2024, the first European Mink bred in captivity were released back into the wild, marking a milestone for the species.↗

Activities for Families

During July and August, guided animal encounters run daily, giving children the chance to observe, ask questions and sometimes gently touch selected species. A 50-minute horse-drawn carriage loop carries visitors past several enclosures at an unhurried pace. The "Soigneur d'un jour" (keeper for a day) immersion lets older kids or keen families follow the daily routine of preparing diets, cleaning enclosures and learning what makes a zookeeper tick.↗↗

A mini farm lets small ones feed goats and poultry, and multiple adventure playgrounds themed to the Odysseys — climbing structures shaped like mountain peaks, a fox-and-badger burrow village, and an infinity-mirror discovery zone — keep energy levels high between animal sightings.↗

Practical Information

In high season (April through September), the park is open daily from 10:00 to 19:00. In shoulder months (February–March and October–early November) it operates on a reduced schedule — typically Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Under-3s enter free. Adult day tickets cost 15.50 € in summer and 12.50 € in shoulder season; child rates are 11 € and 9 € respectively. An annual pass (47 € adult / 25 € child) pays for itself in about four visits.↗↗↗

Parking is free on site. The entrance, paths and facilities are wheelchair accessible. A café and picnic areas are available; credit cards, debit cards and mobile payments are accepted. The park sits about 20 km from Niort's TGV station; a car or taxi is the simplest way to reach it.↗↗↗

Making the Most of Your Visit

Allow three to four hours to cover all nine Odysseys at a comfortable pace, especially with young children who will want time at the playgrounds and mini farm. Arriving at opening on a summer morning means quieter paths and the best chance of catching active animals before the midday heat. In late October, the park transforms with its Halloween programme running from the 17th to November 1st — a fun seasonal draw if your calendar allows.↗