A Cupulatta, Turtle zoo in Vero, France
A Cupulatta is a 2.5-hectare (6-acre) natural park holding about 3,000 turtles and tortoises from 130 different species across every continent. The animals live in outdoor enclosures and indoor terrariums designed to reflect their natural habitats.
Founded in 1998, this facility began as a specialized center dedicated to protecting and breeding endangered turtle species from around the globe. It grew from the need to help populations threatened by habitat loss and other dangers.
The name comes from the Corsican language, linking local tradition with the commitment to protect turtles worldwide. Throughout the grounds, visitors discover how these creatures matter to different ecosystems and why people work to keep them alive.
The park is open daily with walking paths through different zones where you can watch the animals in their enclosures. Wear comfortable shoes and plan your visit based on your own pace, as there is plenty to see throughout the grounds.
Each year the center breeds between 400 and 1,000 turtle hatchlings, including species with only a few hundred individuals left worldwide. This breeding program is a crucial part of global efforts to save these rare animals from extinction.
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