Overview
The Zoo de Cerza, also styled as Le Zoo de Cerza, is a private zoological park located in the commune of Domalain, within the department of Ille‑et‑Vilaine, Brittany, France. The facility is recognized for its extensive collection of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians, and for emphasizing European and exotic species within naturalistic enclosures.
History
The zoo was founded in 1988 by Jean-Claude Mas, who initially operated a small animal farm on the site. Over subsequent decades, the enterprise expanded its land area and animal collection, obtaining official accreditation from the French Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Energy as a licensed zoological institution. In the 2000s, the zoo introduced several large‑scale habitats, including a savanna‑style enclosure for African megafauna.
Location and size
The park occupies approximately 30 hectares (about 74 acres) of mixed forest and meadowland. It is situated near the town of Domalain, roughly 30 km east of Rennes and 10 km north of the historic town of Fougères. Access is provided via the D177 road; the nearest railway station is in Fougères.
Animal collection
As of the most recent publicly disclosed data (2023), Zoo de Cerza houses more than 1,500 individual animals representing around 200 species. Notable groups include:
- Mammals: European brown bears, Siberian tigers, African lions, giraffes, and a herd of Bactrian camels.
- Birds: Various raptors (e.g., golden eagles, owls), waterfowl, and exotic species such as the pink flamingo.
- Reptiles and amphibians: A collection of tortoises, crocodilians (including the Nile crocodile), and numerous frog species.
The zoo arranges its exhibits to reflect the animals' natural habitats, employing larger open spaces and vegetative landscaping to promote welfare and visitor education.
Conservation and education
Zoo de Cerza participates in European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) breeding programmes for several threatened species, contributing to the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP). The institution also runs educational activities for school groups, offering guided tours, workshops on wildlife conservation, and interactive presentations on biodiversity. Financial contributions from the zoo support regional and international conservation projects, though specific recipient organizations are not exhaustively documented in publicly available sources.
Visitor information
The park is open to the public from early spring through late autumn, generally operating Wednesday through Sunday, with reduced hours on certain holidays. Admission fees are tiered for adults, children, seniors, and families. Amenities include a visitor centre, a café, a gift shop, and designated picnic areas. Accessibility provisions are provided for visitors with reduced mobility. Seasonal events—such as “Night Safari” evenings and themed celebrations—are organized periodically.
References
- Official website of Zoo de Cerza (www.zoocerza.com) – Facility overview, animal inventory, and visitor information.
- French Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Energy – List of accredited zoological parks (2022).
- European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) – Membership and breeding programme participation records (2023).
Note: All data reflect information available from the zoo’s official communications and recognized French governmental or European zoo authorities up to 2023.