Visit of the Zoo d'Amiens Métropole
Since its opening on May 22, 1952, the Zoo d'Amiens has been transformed throughout its 70 years to become today a major scientific, tourist and cultural establishment of the Hauts-de-France region. It is far from the time when wild animals were captured in their natural environment to be presented in precarious conditions to an audience familiar with the colonial spirit. This past, now gone, nevertheless underlines the ideological revolution that Western zoological parks have experienced in the last fifty years. Today they are key players in the conservation of biodiversity, conducting in and ex situ conservation programmes, contribute to the advancement of scientific research and increase public awareness of our planet’s environmental issues. Every year in France, 21 million visitors visit these wildlife embassies, which work every day to preserve ecosystems or endangered species. The missions of the Amiens Zoo are no exception. However, it is distinguished from other zoological parks by its particular environment. Located close to the famous cathedral of Amiens, this park is an island of biodiversity that combines calm, nature and scenery. Heir to an old botanical garden designed in the 19th century, the Amiens Zoo is a haven of greenery and 7 hectares of water where live peacefully nearly 700 animals. Those who want to eat there can make a stop at the Blue Flag, a 19th century romantic guinguette built on the water’s edge.