Le Parc du Thot, Prehistoric educational zoo in Thonac, France
Le Parc du Thot is a zoo in Thonac, in the Périgord Noir region, dedicated to animal species that lived here during the prehistoric era. The grounds feature open-air enclosures set in woodland and meadow, where bison, wolves, deer, and ancient horse breeds roam freely.
Le Parc du Thot was created as a complement to the nearby Lascaux cave, giving visitors a way to see the real animals that inspired the prehistoric painters. Over time, it grew to include areas focused on the daily life of Stone Age people alongside its animal collection.
At Le Parc du Thot, visitors can see living animals that appear in the Lascaux cave paintings nearby, including bison and ancient horse breeds. This connection between real animals and prehistoric art makes the experience tangible in a way few places can offer.
The park is easy to explore on foot, but sturdy shoes are recommended as some paths cross grassy or uneven ground. Morning visits tend to offer the best conditions for seeing the animals moving around their enclosures.
Some animals in the park, such as the Konik horse, are part of breeding programs that try to bring back the appearance of extinct wild horses as closely as possible. The Konik is not a direct descendant of the ancient wild horse, but it is the living breed that resembles it most.
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