Touroparc Zoo, Wildlife park in Romanèche-Thorins, France
Touroparc Zoo is a wildlife park in Romanèche-Thorins, France, home to more than 700 animals representing around 140 species. The site spans 12 hectares (30 acres) and includes both spacious enclosures for large mammals such as elephants and lions, as well as dedicated sections for primates, birds, and reptiles.
The zoo opened in the 1960s in the Rhône-Alpes region and grew from a modest collection into a larger facility over the following decades. Expansions in the 21st century brought modern enclosures and new educational programs focused on the conservation of endangered species.
The name combines Tour with Parc, reflecting the traditional idea of a circular route visitors follow through the enclosures. Families often gather around feeding times to watch how the animals react and interact, making it a shared social moment beyond simply viewing wildlife.
Opening hours vary by season, with the park accessible from 9:30 AM to 7 PM in summer and from 10 AM to 5:30 PM in winter. A full visit typically lasts between two and three hours, and most pathways are suitable for strollers or wheelchairs.
Visitors can join a keeper program that allows them to follow daily routines alongside staff, helping prepare food or clean enclosures. This hands-on experience offers direct insight into the responsibility and effort involved in caring for both large and small animals.
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