Ménagerie du Jardin des Plantes

The National Museum of Natural History's public zoo, Ménagerie du Jardin des plantes, is situated in Paris's 5th arrondissement. This zoo was established in 1794 under Bernardin de Saint-suggestion. Pierre's All structures, including horticultural or animal shelters, have been designated as historical sites since 1993.

The Menagerie occupies an area of the Jardin des Plantes de Paris measuring about 5.5 hectares, and the quai Saint-Bernard bounds it to the northeast and rue Cuvier to the northwest. It introduces 189 species in all, including 600 kinds of invertebrates and 189 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. This is one of the few French zoos that house both tree orangutans and kangaroos.

The French Revolution led to the establishment of the Ménagerie du Jardin des Plantes. Privately owned exotic animals intended to be given to the Royal Menagerie in Versailles or stuffed were seized instead. The researchers, however, decided to keep the animals alive and relocated them to the Jardins des Plantes. These animals were also moved to the Jardins des Plantes after the Royal Menagerie was closed.

Year Established: December 11, 1794
Location: Paris, France