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About this place
Zoo La Garenne is a small animal park in Le Vaud, in the canton of Vaud, Switzerland, combined with a care centre for wild animals. The park focuses on the conservation and promotion of Swiss fauna, especially small animals and birds of prey.
What is La Garenne?
It is hard to call this a classic zoo. Its heart is a centre that has treated injured wildlife since 1965. The care area is closed to visitors, so guests mainly see the park, where animals that stay permanently under the centre's care live.
Which animals can you see?
The park presents native Swiss wildlife. Birds of prey and smaller species have a special place. Several hundred animals arrive at the centre each year, and around a hundred patients may be in care at one time, including dozens of hedgehogs.
What happens to rescued animals?
Animals that recover and can cope in the wild are released. Those that can no longer live in the wild stay in the park for good. La Garenne also takes part in reintroduction programmes: many young bearded vultures have been raised here and then released.
Can you bring an injured animal?
Yes. The centre is open every day and also accepts animals brought in by members of the public. You must call ahead first.
A new site
The park moved to neighbouring, new facilities covering 30,000 m² and reopened in 2016, giving the animals far more space than before.
Who is it for?
La Garenne suits families with children and anyone who wants to see Swiss nature up close while supporting wildlife care. The visit is calm and educational, without the spectacle of large zoos. It is a reminder that behind many of the animals here lies a story of rescue.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Zoo La Garenne? In Le Vaud, in the canton of Vaud, Switzerland.
What does it specialise in? Conserving Swiss fauna, especially small animals and birds of prey.
Can visitors see the care centre? No, the care area is not open to the public.
Since when has the centre operated? It has treated injured animals since 1965.
When did the park open at its current site? In 2016, on 30,000 m².
Can I bring an injured animal I found? Yes, after calling ahead. Check current hours and contact details on the official website, lagarenne.ch.
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