Zoological Garden of Monaco, Zoological garden in Fontvieille, Monaco
The Zoological Garden of Monaco occupies one hectare on the Esplanade Rainier III in Fontvieille, on the southern side of the Rock of Monaco, set over four levels. It was established by Prince Rainier III in 1954 and holds almost 300 animals representing some 60 species, from peacocks and blue-fronted amazons to leopard geckos.
Prince Rainier III founded the garden in 1954 on the southern side of the Rock of Monaco. None of its animals were bought: they arrived as donations, from circuses, as abandoned animals or through customs seizures. Five came from the zoo at Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat when it closed in 2009.
The permanent exhibition 'The Prince and His Animals' displays archive photographs and documents showing Prince Rainier III's long dedication to wildlife conservation. Visitors can trace through these materials how the principality's commitment to protecting animals developed over time.
The garden maintains different seasonal schedules, with summer hours from June to September offering extended visiting times from 9:00 to 19:00 with a midday break. Visitors should plan for walking stairs and navigating different levels, as the rocky site requires some physical effort to explore all areas.
The zoo has never bought an animal. Its residents arrived as donations, from circuses, as abandoned animals or through customs seizures; five came from the 2009 closure of the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat zoo, and in 2022 it took in a peacock, a blue-fronted amazon and two leopard geckos from a local shelter.
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