Attilly Wood Zoo (Zoo du Bois d'Attilly) Tours

Opened in 1966, this zoo in the town of Férolles-Attilly, near Paris, is home to around 300 mammals and birds representing 75 species. Here you'll see everything from panthers to hyenas, along with pink flamingos, chimpanzees, camels, and hippopotamuses. Kids can pet alpacas and Senegalese pigmy goats in the petting zoo.
 
The Basics    
A popular family getaway from Paris, the 62-acre (25-hectare) Zoo du Bois d’Attilly features animals from across five continents. Wolf, chimpanzee, hippo, and meerkat feedings take place daily in the afternoon and are free to all visitors. For an extra fee, visitors can accompany a zookeeper for a day, and animal-sponsorship opportunities are also available.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Zoo du Bois d’Attilly is a must-visit for families or animal lovers who want to get out of Paris for the day.
• Dining options include a snack bar with sandwiches, desserts, and a microwave for guest use, plus four picnic areas.
• Discounted admission is available for kids, students, and seniors over 75 years of age.
• The zoo is wheelchair-accessible.

 
How to Get There
The Zoo du Bois d’Attilly is located in Férolles-Attilly, about a 30- to 45-minute drive from the center of Paris. The closest bus stop is in Chevry, a good 2.5-mile (4-kilometer) walk from the zoo, so visitors are advised to rent a car or join a tour.

When to Get There
The zoo is open daily from May through October; from November through February it’s open on Wednesdays, weekends, and public and school holidays (except Christmas, New Year's Eve, and New Year’s Day).

Zookeeper for a Day
If you want to learn the ins and outs of being a zookeeper, the zoo offers a special program in which visitors can shadow a zookeeper carrying out his or her daily duties. This 4-hour experience for all ages gives you the chance to help with everything from preparing meals to cleaning out enclosures.