THE ANIMALS

  Frequently asked questions

● Where do the animals come from ?

98 % of the animals were born in captivity : they are exchanged among zoos through the EEP. It is now forbidden to take animals from their natural habitat (in most cases), but there are still some animals taken during the period when there was no legislation (often gifts exchanged between heads of state).

Nowadays, our goal is to reproduce species in captivity.

● Can I feed the animals ?

No, it is forbidden to feed the animals. They are taken care of by animal keepers, the biologist and the veterinarian, who determine a daily food ration that is balanced and adapted to each animal.

External food can make them seriously ill or provoke conflicts between animals !

● What do you give the animals to eat ?

Each species receives food suitable for its nutritional needs : meat for carnivores and mostly fodder for herbivores, ... The consumption of animals in the zoo amounts to 55 tons of hay, 52 tons of granules for herbivores, 12 tons of chicken, 45 tons of apples, 32 tons of carrots and 6 tons of fruit and vegetables !

● Can I donate animals to the zoo ?

No, we do not accept animals from private individuals.

It is best to always think twice before taking an animal home in order to avoid having to abandon it for lack of space or time to take care of it…

● Can I bring a wounded animal to the zoo ?

Due to French legislation regarding wildlife protection, we cannot accept these animals. They must be taken to a certified animal care center. For birds, you may contact the Animal Care Centre at Pont de Gau (Camargue) on 04 90 97 82 62; for birds and mammals, the Regional Wildlife Protection Centre at Buoux on 04 90 74 52 44.

● How can I become an animal keeper ?

Being an animal keeper is an exciting profession, but it requires adaptability, a liking for team work, good relations with people (visitors), discipline and respect for rules, and a good dose of energy !

Three schools in France offer this diploma (please note, however, that the number of places is limited) : the Centre for the Training of Agricultural Apprentices of Lot (CFAA), located in Gramat, the Rural Institute of Carquefou, and the Centre for Professional Training and Agricultural Promotion of Loir-et-Cher (CFPPA), located in Vendôme.

● Does the zoo accept trainees ?

Unfortunately, we cannot reply positively to all the applications that we receive. We give priority to students following animal keeper training courses or biology or veterinary studies, from their second year onwards.