Management Change at Le PAL: Charles Bennet Appointed New President

(eap) After 36 years, Arnaud Bennett (l.), head of the French animal and leisure park Le PAL, has handed over his position – and thus passed the baton to the next generation. Since January 1, 2026, the park has been led by his eldest son Charles Bennett (r.), who, in his role as President, intends to further develop the park together with his teams. As a result, the park, founded in 1973 by André Charbonnier, remains independent and family-owned. Charles Bennett (36) – an aerospace engineer, who, following his studies, initially worked for Airbus and most recently served as Chief Operating Officer (COO) at the French Looping Group (operator of around 20 parks across Europe) – has set himself the goal of making visitors’ stays at Le PAL even more immersive and entertaining, both in terms of animal presentations and rides.

“I am very happy to be joining a family adventure whose promise is firmly in tune with the times: enabling families and friends to create authentic memories by combining entertainment, discovery, and a commitment to preserving biodiversity. The values of Le PAL reflect what drives me: its ethical actions in support of sustainable development and its respect for the teams who work every day to offer our visitors a high-quality experience and to care for the animals entrusted to us. I wish to build on my father’s work, to innovate while remaining true to our history, to reinvent ourselves while preserving the soul of Le PAL to which our visitors are deeply attached,” Charles Bennett explained.

A total of 700,000 guests were recorded at Le PAL in 2025. With “Fjord Explorer” – a water coaster by Mack Rides (see EAP 3/2024) – the park implemented its most recent major new attraction in 2024. In the coming season, Le PAL will present visitors with its redesigned elephant enclosure, “Le Delta des Éléphants”. Two million euros are being invested in the project. ■