Timeline

Key figures

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.

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