The park was founded in 1986 by Thierry Jardin and his father, Patrick Jardin.
Cerza created its own veterinary clinic on-site to provide specialized medical care for its residents.
It is home to rare species including white rhinos and snow leopards.
The park operates a conservation fund, 'Cerza Conservation', which supports field projects protecting wildlife in their natural environments.
The safari train track spans over a kilometer, passing through the African and Asian plain enclosures.
The park is built on a hilly, forested landscape typical of the Normandy region.
It houses a 'Lodge' area allowing overnight stays in the park, providing guests with views of the animal enclosures after hours.
Cerza is a 80-hectare zoological park located in Hermival-les-Vaux, home to over 1,500 animals representing 120 species. The park features a safari train that offers a guided tour through large enclosures where animals roam in semi-liberty. A dedicated mini-farm allows visitors to interact with domestic animals in a controlled setting. The facility includes a 3D cinema broadcasting educational films on wildlife and conservation. Most enclosures are designed to replicate natural habitats to encourage species-specific behaviors. The park functions as a center for wildlife conservation, participating in numerous European Endangered Species Programmes. Visitors navigate the grounds via two marked walking trails, one yellow and one red, covering different areas of the park.
The viewing platform overlooking the African plains enclosure during the safari train transit.
Wear sturdy, comfortable walking shoes as the park terrain is hilly and requires significant walking.
Arrive early to prioritize the safari train ride, as queues can grow quickly during peak visitor periods.
Check the daily feeding schedule at the entrance, as these sessions provide the best opportunities to see animals active.
Attempting to walk the entire park without checking the park map, as the undulating terrain is more strenuous than it appears.
Open daily, but operating hours are reduced during the winter months.
Maintain silence near animal enclosures, do not feed animals unless in designated farm areas, and stay strictly on marked paths.
