La Ménagerie, le zoo du Jardin des Plantes — Attraction in Paris

I don't like it because it's a zoo. But also because of it's location and what it has to offer. It's a fantastic relaxing spot with kids, for couples and also I would personally recommend it for your next dating spot. It's beautiful. Next to the Seine.

GARDENING:

It reminded me of our own Kew Gardens: Beautiful, historic and serene, but I couldn't help but feel sorry for the Wallabies in the zoo, surely they'd be happier in the climes of the Antipodes!

Running: It's a perfect place for running. However, While I was jogging I got in from the back, the gate was open. If you wanna see a prison for animals, go for it! Animals locked in cages bored out of their mind, this is horrible! Feels like you're back in time 19th century. I saw Nenette the female uran utang, I noticed she was my age, and that she's been in this miserable place ( a glass cage) all her life. I felt lucky compared to her, I could just walk out within 5 minutes. May be I am exarragating but that's me. I don't like zoo personally. Overall, Absolutely loved a day trip to this Parisian zoo! A must-see if you are an animal lover, or looking for an off-beat way to experience French culture. Animals in their habitats were a joy to see, grounds were tidy and well-cared for, and the crowds were not overwhelming. Signs and informational displays in French, but at a children's reading level and well-illustrated, so even if limited in the French language, visitors should be able to understand the messages. I also learned a lot of new words for animals on my visit, so that was a bonus! Park is very walkable, and there are many benches and places to stop an enjoy the scenery. Visiting the zoos & parks is a welcome change of pace for a tourist in Paris, as you won't encounter the massive crowds of other Americans and English-speakers like in the main museums; rather, you'll encounter French families and experience a different side of culture. I recommend going early in the day and enjoy a picnic...

About the animals:

Having been built in the late 1700s (one of the oldest zoos in the world that is still open!), it was clearly built for human enjoyment rather than the animal's well being. The monkeys have no space (the orang-outangs build their nest at a hight of 30m, the cages are no more than 10m tall) and just sit there. The felines pace around their inclosures or sleep. The birds fly from one side of the cage to another.

This zoo needs serious replanning especially since it is in a city as touristic and important as Paris.

Also the excuse of "they would go instinct without us" is not a good one. The animals are no better miserable than extinct.

Appart from the cages and the animals:

A LOT of the inclosures were empty (probably due to it being winter?). The souvenir shop is extremely small. The infrastructure is clearly outdated and in poor condition.

Good things about the zoo:

The staff was nice. The terrariums with snakes and insects was absolutely great. The zoo is clean. The price is reasonable, although a little much for the experience. The...

Absolutely loved a day trip to this Parisian zoo! A must-see if you are an animal lover, or looking for an off-beat way to experience French culture. Animals in their habitats were a joy to see, grounds were tidy and well-cared for, and the crowds were not overwhelming. Signs and informational displays in French, but at a children's reading level and well-illustrated, so even if limited in the French language, visitors should be able to understand the messages. I also learned a lot of new words for animals on my visit, so that was a bonus! Park is very walkable, and there are many benches and places to stop an enjoy the scenery. Visiting the zoos & parks is a welcome change of pace for a tourist in Paris, as you won't encounter the massive crowds of other Americans and English-speakers like in the main museums; rather, you'll encounter French families and experience a different side of culture. I recommend going early in the day and enjoy a picnic...