Description
Contact details
Zoological park of Fréjus
240, rue Hubert Masquefa,
83600 Fréjus
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- Biodiversity awareness
- Family walk
- Meeting with primates
- Photographic safari
- full immersion
Practical information
Promote wildlife
One of the missions of the Fréjus Zoological Park is to discover or better understand wildlife, threatened in 75% of cases in its natural habitat. During the presentation of emblematic animals of the Park such as elephants, chimpanzees, mandrills, lemurs, lions, tigers, hyenas, wolves, ostriches, vultures, turtles, iguanas, llamas, prairie dogs, visitors can both observe closely, follow all oral explanations during educational activities, ask all their questions to the team of caregivers and perfect their knowledge by reading the educational panels provided. Certain special animations allow them to discover unusual aspects such as enrichment animations (see enrichment subject).
We are committed to adapting to all audiences, from the youngest to the oldest, from the novice to the most experienced. Schools are welcome and special days are organized for children from nursery to CM2, caregiver courses for 4th – 3rd grades can be held and “Carer for a day” days as well.
Because we must not forget: we only protect what we know well!
Protective work
Animal protection of course involves information and education but also through our concrete actions in the Zoological Park and in the field. Protection is done at the local level by the protection of biodiversity (see article on biodiversity) but also the protection of biodiversity in the countries of origin of our animals (avoid any consumption of palm oil, do not buy palm oil). wild animals protected by Washington law, do not buy ivory, etc.).
Protection also involves the reproduction within the zoo of populations of endangered animals (ararauna ara, lemurs, mangabeys, siamangs, Girgantana goats, Lewche's waterbuck, etc.). We are rewarded each year by the numerous births (see the nursery section).
Protection is also the conservation of a genetic heritage. Reproductions are not made in an anarchic manner but according to the filiations and genetics of the animals. Exchanges between zoological parks are then organized in France and Europe as well as the creation of a bank of reproductive cells (eggs, spermatozoa). The most important mission for animals is research. It is carried out at various levels:
– Through their proximity to the animals and their long-term work with them, the keepers study the behavior of the residents (direct observation, taking photos and films, work of ethologists observing behavior) and discover certain aspects or characteristics not yet observed in the natural environment
– Exchanges between zoological parks of experiences and novelties, either through regular contacts or during training, with French, European or other continents parks
– Close and constructive relationships between veterinarians and animal caretakers
– Travel to the animals’ countries of origin and contacts with people “on the ground”
– Research work carried out in collaboration with several types of establishments and lifestyles (captivity, semi-freedom, in reserve or free in the country of origin)
– Research into improving animal welfare (vaccines, prevention, feeding, management, enrichment, etc.) (see the articles dedicated specifically to these subjects)
– Collaborations with students from high school to thesis (construction of enclosures, food supplements, impact of the public on animals, etc.)
Research work
The most important mission for animals is research. It is carried out at various levels:
– Due to its proximity and the long-term work of the keepers, the study of animals (direct observation, taking photos and films, work of ethologists observing behavior) makes it possible to discover certain aspects or characteristics not yet observed in a natural environment
– Exchanges between zoological parks of experiences and novelties, either through regular contacts or during training, with French, European or other continents parks
– Close and constructive relationships between veterinarians and animal caretakers
– Trips to the animals’ countries of origin and contacts with people “on the ground”
– Research work carried out in collaboration with several types of establishments and lifestyles (captivity, semi-freedom, in reserve or free in the country of origin)
– Research into improving animal welfare (vaccines, prevention, feeding, management, enrichment, etc.) (see the articles dedicated specifically to these subjects)
– Collaborations with students from high school to thesis (construction of enclosures, food supplements, impact of the public on animals, etc.)
Thus, by knowing the animal better in captivity, despite some differences due to its lifestyle, this makes it possible to educate scientists in the field or anyone who works with animals in the wild. And of course, to constantly improve the length and quality of their lives among us!
No stress
One of the main objectives of the keepers is to reduce the stress of the animals as much as possible:
– Stress during the maintenance of premises: the animals being used to contact with caregivers and not trained (they are free to act and to be located in the night box or the day enclosure, for example) know their caretakers. In addition, a routine for certain actions is respected. A dialogue is established between the animal and the caregiver who will be able to determine what stresses it or not (certain animals are neophobic, afraid of novelty, like Colombian spider mites or siamangs for example). The work of observation is also very important and constant.
– Stress when caring for the animal: shearing, cutting the horn or hoof, caring for the legs, weighing are actions that can stress the animal. This is why we are developing medical training (see medical training section)
– Stress during preventive care: vaccination, deworming
– Stress during treatments: when an illness or injury appears and care must be provided to the animal, occasionally by the veterinarian or daily by the caregiver. We will always choose the least stressful solution with the help of medical training. Fortunately, in animal parks this is rare.
– Stress linked to premises: size, height, shape, temperature, brightness, humidity, resonance of noises, as well as community living or not and the number of individuals. Keepers who also specialize in development are constantly working in the park to improve the day enclosures and night boxes.
– Visitor stress: unfortunately some visitors do not put themselves in the place of the animals and only want to satisfy their desires (see special visitors section). They give toxic or even deadly food to the animals, shout at them or even throw stones at them! Keepers are constantly on the alert to inform visitors if their attitudes are not compatible with animal welfare.