The 65-meter-high concrete 'Great Rock' was originally constructed for the 1931 Colonial Exhibition and was later incorporated into the modern zoo.
The zoo's giraffe herd is one of the largest in Europe and is managed as a key part of the European Endangered Species Programme.
The Amazonia-Guyana biozone is housed within a massive, climate-controlled tropical greenhouse covering 4,000 square meters.
Iberian wolves at the park are part of a specialized breeding program aimed at preserving the genetic diversity of this specific subspecies.
The facility was completely redesigned during a major renovation between 2008 and 2014 to replace outdated cages with landscape-immersion habitats.
The Parc zoologique de Paris, also known as the Zoo de Vincennes, is divided into five biozones representing Patagonia, the Sahel-Sudan, Europe, Amazonia-Guyana, and Madagascar. The park is distinguished by its iconic 65-meter-high artificial Great Rock, which serves as both a landmark and an enclosure for mountain goats. It houses over 2,000 animals representing roughly 180 species within a 14.5-hectare landscaped area. The zoo focuses on conservation, research, and public education, featuring specific habitats for giraffes, rhinos, and Iberian wolves. Visitors follow a 4-kilometer path that winds through these immersive ecosystems. The site is managed by the Muséum national d'histoire naturelle. Modernized in 2014, the zoo emphasizes naturalistic enclosures that minimize visible barriers between animals and the public. It serves as a significant urban refuge for biodiversity on the edge of the Bois de Vincennes.
The viewing platform near the base of the Great Rock, providing a scale-perspective shot of the landmark against the foliage.
Walk the entire 4km trail to ensure you don't miss the distinct biozones located at the back of the park.
Check the daily feeding times for the sea lions and wolves upon arrival at the entrance to align your visit.
Bring binoculars if possible, as the naturalistic enclosures are designed to be large and spacious for the animals.
Avoid arriving late in the afternoon, as many outdoor animal enclosures are cleared or animals are moved to indoor quarters before the final closing time.
Open daily throughout the year, including public holidays.
Do not tap on glass enclosures or feed the animals, as this disrupts their specialized diets and welfare protocols.
