Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

Lumigny Safari Reserve, originally called Parc des Félins, is a French zoological park located in Lumigny-Nesles-Ormeaux (Seine-et-Marne), Île-de-France. Opened to the public on 14 October 2006, it covers 92 hectares and houses more than 600 animals representing nearly 90 species, with a specialisation unique in the world: the greatest diversity of felines on the same site. The concept is based on large and natural enclosures designed for animal welfare and the reproduction of endangered species such as cheetahs, white lions or Sumatra tigers. The park was founded in 1998 by Patrick and Thierry Jardin, who sought to recreate conditions close to the natural environment to promote reproduction.

The park is organized into five thematic circuits (Africa, America, Asia, Europe, and Terre de Singes), each reproducing the biotopes of the species presented. Among the innovations, we can mention the Trans-Felins, a tourist train to observe the vast enclosures, and a 4D cinema opened in 2012, featuring a film about tigers. Since its inception, the park has been actively involved in conservation programs (BSE) and has financially supported associations such as TIGRIS or Snow Leopard Trust. In 2015, he contributed to the reintroduction of a Persian leopard in the Russian Caucasus. In 2024, the park changed its name to Lumigny Safari Reserve, marking a diversification to other carnivores (polar bears, arctic wolves) and primates.

The history of the park is marked by logistical challenges, such as moving from Auneau in 2006 to gain space, or adding in 2012 an Asian extension sheltering white tigers and snow panthers. The enclosures are designed to minimize human impact, with discrete observatories and educational cartels. The park mainly attracts a francilian clientele, exceeding the visitor forecasts (200 000 visitors/year initially). Despite its success, its local economic impact remains limited for hotels and restaurants. Headed today by Hugo Jardin (President) and Jonathan Patin (Director General), the park combines education, research and preservation, with scientific partnerships and awareness-raising.

The mini-farm and lemur islands (created in 2009) complement the offer, while recent developments, such as the enlargement of the Oasis (a panoramic restaurant facing white lions in 2022), enhance the visitor experience. The park collaborates with associations such as SOS Felins & Co to finance in situ projects, such as the protection of the cheetahs of the Sahara. In 2025, a new area will host polar bears and Arctic wolves, expanding its mission beyond the feline. The park remains a key player in European breeding programmes (BSE) and a filming venue, as for the show It's not sorcerer in 2000.

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