Between Macouria and Montsinéry-Tonnegrande, the French Guiana Zoo has established itself as a unique site of its kind. Far from being just a place to observe wildlife, it plays a central role in the conservation, care and rehabilitation of local species that are often threatened. The park, which is a member of the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums (EAZA), is part of an approach that combines welcoming the public with scientific preservation missions, in a territory where the Amazon occupies more than 90% of the land.
From singular origins to a strengthened mission
The history of the French Guiana Zoo began in 1983, under the name of Fauna Flora Amazonicaa center specializing in hummingbird breeding. The site soon broadened its scope to become a wildlife park, home to various species emblematic of the Amazon region. Closed in 2007 for safety and modernization reasons, it was reopened in 2008 by Franck and Angélique Chaulet, already owners of the “Zoo de Guadeloupe” and Jardin de Balata.
Since then, the site has undergone complete restructuring and the addition of major infrastructures, including a vast aviary inaugurated in 2014, paying tribute to Eugène Bellony, a pioneering figure in wildlife parks in French Guiana.
Why create such a refuge?
The creation of French Guiana Zoo was a response to a dual need: to provide a safe space for endangered species, and to raise public awareness of the richness and fragility of Guiana’s biodiversity. This Amazonian department is home to an exceptional natural heritage, but is subject to multiple pressures: deforestation, illegal hunting, animal trafficking and habitat destruction. In this context, the structure has become an essential link in the fight for the survival of certain emblematic species, such as the jaguar or the ferocious harpy, which are experiencing a progressive reduction in their vital space.
A scientific and environmental mission. Pic ©zoo de Guyane
At the heart of its actions, the Zoo runs breeding programs under the EEP (European Endangered Species Programme), concerning more than a dozen endangered species housed on the site. These initiatives make it possible to maintain viable populations in captivity, while providing for their reintroduction into their natural habitat whenever possible.
At the same time, the Zoo is working with the association SOS Faune Sauvage, a care center for injured, sick or poached animals. After rehabilitation, some specimens are returned to the Amazon rainforest, completing a rescue cycle that goes beyond the scope of a conventional zoo. This collaboration gives rise to concrete actions in the field, ranging from veterinary follow-up to the release of animals such as sloths and toucans, which are sometimes nursed for several months.
A space designed for animal welfare
French Guiana Zoo extends over several hectares of forest, with spacious enclosures designed to reproduce the natural environment of each species as closely as possible. The tour follows forest trails and suspended walkways, offering visitors a respectful immersion in the Amazonian environment. The canopy bridges, almost 400 metres long, allow visitors to observe the animals in close-to-natural conditions. Jaguars, pumas, fierce harpies, red-faced spider monkeys, caimans, tapirs, red ibises and margays are among the permanent residents.
Each facility is designed to encourage natural behavior: ponds for aquatic species, high perches for birds, wooded areas for felines. The site’s caretakers and veterinarians work daily to enrich the animals’ environment, in order to stimulate their instincts and well-being.
Added value for local tourism
In addition to its ecological role, the Zoo has become the department’s second most popular tourist attraction, behind only the Isles of Salut. It attracts both residents and travelers seeking a better understanding of Amazonian wildlife. Economic spin-offs include the creation of direct jobs, the training of specialized personnel and the stimulation of related activities, such as hotels and restaurants. The site is also integrated into wider discovery circuits, linking natural and cultural heritage.
A lasting commitment. Pic ©Zoo de Guyane
The existence of the French Guiana Zoo illustrates how tourism and the environment can complement each other. By showcasing local species and playing an active part in their preservation, the park embodies a form of responsible tourism, focused on imparting knowledge and protecting natural heritage. This model proves that a public establishment can become a key player in conservation, while remaining a major asset for the local economy.
