ZooParc de Beauval Announces Two New Areas for 2026

(eap) With more than 35,000 animals on an area of 45 hectares, the French ZooParc de Beauval (near Saint-Aignan, Loir-et-Cher department) attracts around two million visitors annually, making it one of the most important zoological facilities in the country. The zoo has announced two new areas for 2026, with a total investment of seven million euros: “Les Terres Rouges” and “Bucolia”. While Les Terres Rouges will take guests on “a journey into the Australian outback,” Bucolia, an XXL-sized farm, will be dedicated to historical, partly endangered breeds of domestic and farm animals.

"Bucolia" © ZooParc de Beauval From April 1, visitors will be able to experience numerous representatives of native domestic and farm animals – including sheep, chickens, donkeys, and goats – in the lifelike “Bucolia” area covering around one hectare. In addition, a new adventure play area called “Les Roches Vives” is being created in the immediate vicinity, featuring water fountains, cascades, and fine mist spray, which is intended to offer – open from April to September – families with children in particular a variety of refreshing activities.

"Les Terres Rouges" © ZooParc de Beauval Also opening in April will be the new Les Terres Rouges themed area, which covers 4,500 square meters and is entirely dedicated to Australian wildlife. Up to ten animal species are planned for this area, including black-capped rock wallabies, Parma wallabies, and emus, which will all be new additions to Beauval.

In addition, the French zoo plans to open a new dolphinarium in March/April 2027. The facility, to be implemented as a “Centre d'Études, de Recherche Scientifique et de Sauvegarde pour Dauphins” (CERSSD), will cover 2.5 hectares and accommodate up to 30 animals, which will also be integrated into the “European Endangered Species Program” (EEP). Specifically, 23 dolphins from other European zoos are to find a new home there, including eleven from the Planète Sauvage park and twelve from Marineland, which closed in 2024. A total of seven pools, three spacious landscaped lagoons, and more than 30,000 cubic meters of artificially treated seawater, beaches, rocks, waves, and currents are intended to create an environment for the animals that is as natural as possible. As zoo director Rodolphe Delord emphasizes, the center is intended to be designed down to the smallest detail with the well-being of the animals in mind. ■