Plaine Africaine and the Lyon Botanical and Zoological Garden
Why is it significant?
Approach the natural timber viewing terraces overlooking the Plaine Africaine, nestled in the heart of the historic Lyon Zoological Garden within the Parc de la Tête d'Or.
Key Facts
| Place | Plaine Africaine and the Lyon Botanical and Zoological Garden |
|---|---|
| Address | Allée du Zoo 1, 69006 Lyon, France |
| Geo Coordinates | 45.78000, 4.85450 |
| Part of Walk | Rhône Riverbanks and Parc de la Tête d'Or: River Promenades, Glasshouses, and Rose Gardens |
| Generated | Generated |
Approach the natural timber viewing terraces overlooking the Plaine Africaine, nestled in the heart of the historic Lyon Zoological Garden within the Parc de la Tête d'Or. Established in 1858 by municipal authorities with the pioneering republican commitment to provide free public access to nature education for all citizens, this nine-hectare municipal zoo was radically transformed in 2006 with the creation of the Plaine Africaine. Designed by landscape architects of the Ilex agency and Jacqueline Osty, this expansive three-hectare reconstructed savannah combines rolling grasslands, muddy watering holes, and acacia thickets where Kordofan giraffes, Grévy's zebras, crowned cranes, and helmeted guineafowl roam together in harmonious semi-liberty. Traditional iron bars and metal cages have been entirely eliminated in favor of wide submerged water moats and natural earthen berms, giving visitors the thrilling impression of gazing across the untamed African bush. A winding wooden footbridge allows visitors to observe flocking pink flamingos filtering water with curved beaks, alongside herds of red-fronted gazelles grazing peacefully under willow boughs. Educational interpretive stations guide families through biodiversity conservation efforts, highlighting the urgent need to protect African savannah ecosystems. Tall giraffes browse peacefully from elevated hay racks with effortless, leggy elegance against a backdrop of mature park oaks. Children marvel at the animal encounters.
Look closely at the contemporary giraffe house: constructed from raw larch timber with an insulating living green roof, this award-winning bioclimatic structure blends seamlessly into the woodland while ensuring optimal thermal comfort for the herd during chilly alpine winters.
The zoo actively participates in over forty European endangered species breeding programs, successfully contributing to the genetic preservation of the critically endangered Kordofan giraffe, of which only a few thousand survive in the wild.
Appreciate the enduring civic philosophy: from its founding in 1858 under Napoleon III to the present day, this zoological garden has remained completely free of charge to all visitors, preserving a rare democratic tradition in Europe.
Walk northwest through the majestic oak groves toward the banked concrete curves of the Vélodrome Georges-Préveral.