Spaycific'Zoo

Spaycific'Zoo is a small zoological park in Spay, roughly 10 km southwest of Le Mans in the Pays de la Loire region. It's a place built around closeness rather than scale — and that's exactly what visitors remember most.

What should you know before visiting?

The park is home to around a thousand animals, including species rarely found in other zoos, such as owl monkeys (douroucoulis), dingoes and Asian leopard cats. Instead of vast open enclosures, Spaycific'Zoo favours intimate, immersive habitats set within preserved local vegetation — the walking route winds through greenery where animals appear close to the path rather than behind a distant fence.

Which animals can you see up close?

Proximity is the park's biggest draw. Lemurs, wallabies and exotic birds live in enclosures designed so visitors can approach closely, and for some species, feed them under staff supervision. Visitors particularly praise the experience with lemurs, which often approach people on their own, along with encounters with species rarely shown at larger, more commercial parks.

What is Zoodéfis?

Zoodéfis is a covered games area, unique in France, where visitors — especially children — can compare their own senses and physical abilities with those of animals. It's an interactive complement to the regular visit, blending play with an educational angle, and one of the reasons the zoo is recommended for families with children.

Is the park still expanding?

Yes. Since 2024, Spaycific'Zoo has added a mini-farm and a large immersive aviary dedicated to South American birds. Despite its modest scale, the park keeps investing in new spaces and species without losing its intimate character.

What is the zoo's social mission?

Spaycific'Zoo is a social enterprise that primarily employs people with disabilities. This sets it apart from typical commercial zoos — a visit supports not only species conservation but also local employment inclusion.

Does the zoo keep its enclosures deliberately wild?

The park intentionally maintains a "wild" look in parts of the grounds: nettles are left in place because they support local butterflies, and thorny branches from certain shrubs are regularly harvested to feed the stick insects kept at the zoo. To some visitors this can look like a lack of upkeep, but it's actually a deliberate ecological choice that fits the site's educational mission.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is Spaycific'Zoo located? In Spay, in the Sarthe department, about 10 km southwest of central Le Mans.

How many animals live at the park? Around a thousand, including rare species such as owl monkeys, dingoes and Asian leopard cats.

Can visitors feed the animals? Yes, for certain species — lemurs, for example — direct feeding is possible under staff supervision.

What is Zoodéfis and is it worth doing? A covered, interactive games area comparing animal and human senses and abilities — a unique attraction in France, especially appealing for families with children.