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Mulhouse Zoo and Botanical Park dans le Haut-Rhin

Sites - Attractions
Zoo et parc animalier

Mulhouse Zoo and Botanical Park

    51 Rue du Jardin Zoologique
    68100 Mulhouse
Parc zoologique et botanique de Mulhouse
Parc zoologique et botanique de Mulhouse

Timeline

XIXe siècle
Époque contemporaine
1900
2000
1868
Foundation of the Park
1893
Purchase by the city
1965
Establishment of zoo school
1977
A remarkable tree trail
2011
Label Remarkable Garden
2013-2014
Opening of the Great North Space
2024
New Director, Benoît Quintard
2025
Opening of Horizon Africa
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui

Key figures

Charles Thierry-Mieg fils - Founding industrial Initiator of the park in 1868.
Pierre Moisson - Director (1995-2010) Involved in in situ storage.
Brice Lefaux - Director (2010-2024) Former Technical Director of Doué-la-Fontaine.
Benoît Quintard - Director since 2024 Current veterinarian of the park.

Origin and history

The Mulhouse Zoological and Botanical Park was founded in 1868 by Mulhousian industrialists, including Charles Thierry-Mieg Jr., to offer a relaxation space to the working class. Originally run by the Mulhouse Industrial Society (SIM), it was taken over by the city in 1893. This romantic-style park, with deer, kangaroos and birds, extended over four hectares, combining leisure, gymnastics and concerts.

In the 20th century, the park experienced difficulties during the two world wars, with damaged buildings and trees felled. A major renovation was undertaken until 1948. In the 1960s and 1970s, the park modernized with educational panels, a monkeyry (1968), and thematic gardens (iris, peonies). The educational dimension was affirmed in 1965 with the creation of a "small zoo school" and botanical routes.

The 21st century marked a turning point towards animal welfare and conservation. In 2013-2014, the Great North Space was inaugurated, dedicated to Arctic fauna (polar bears, muskoxen), while the remarkable Garden label (2011) ran its 3,500 plant varieties. The park coordinates nine European programmes for endangered species (EEP), including lemurs and gibbons, and supports in situ projects such as the creation of Sahamalaza National Park in Madagascar.

Today, the park covers 25 hectares and houses 170 animal species, 81 of which are threatened. It is the first tourist site of the Haut-Rhin, with 295,500 visitors in 2024. Its missions include research (studies on gibbons, breeding protocols), pedagogy (13,000 children welcomed annually) and conservation (reintroduction of addax in Morocco or vultures in Baronnia).

The flagship facilities include the Hatching House (2011) for threatened birds, Okapi enclosures (2019), and Horizon Africa (planned 2025), which will feature giraffes, pygmy hippopotams and reptiles. The park collaborates with international structures such as EAZA and WAZA, strengthening its scientific and ecological role.

The botanical collection, with 837 tree species and six theme gardens, is a living heritage. Outstanding trees planted in 1867, such as bicolored spruce or Japanese cryptomeria, bear witness to its history. A cell dedicated since 1985 works to safeguard endangered plant species, in connection with the green spaces of Mulhouse.

External links

Conditions of visit

  • Conditions de visite : Ouvert toute l'année
  • Basse saison : Décembre, janvier et février : le parc est ouvert de 10h à 16h
  • Moyenne saison : Mars, octobre et novembre : le parc est ouvert de 9h à 17h - Avril et septembre : le parc est ouvert de 9h à 18h
  • Haute saison : Mai, juin, juillet et août : le parc est ouvert de 9h à 19h
  • Contact organisation : 03 69 77 65 65