Founded in the 1930s, the Paris Zoo (which is also known as le Parc Zoologique de Paris (un zoo de Muséum) has been closed since late 2008 after falling into a state of severe disrepair (bits of the various structures started falling off).

However, four years of non-stop work is about to finish, and the zoo will be reopening on Saturday 12th April 2014, completely redesigned and reconstructed. Apart from the iconic (fake) mountain – restored in 1997 – that many of you will know (65 metres high with 354 steps to reach the top), it’s brand new, super modern and resolutely ready for the future!

Here’s all the info.

After five and a half years of closure, we’re very keen to get a look at the new Paris Zoo. Not only are there an extraordinary array of animals available for viewing by the public, but they also have a very active protection program for endangered species.

The new zoo will be divided into five biozones – Sahel-Sudan (45,000 m² with four habitats housing giraffes, white rhinos, ostriches, baboons…), Patagonia (16,500 m² with three habitats and sea lions, pumas…), Europe (11,000 m² with four habitats and wolves, lynxes, vultures…), Amazon-Guyana (12,500 m², just one habitat but 67 species!) and Madagascar (10,000 m² with two types of forest and 30 species).

If you want to check out some photos of the zoo before it opens, French site zoonaute.net has an insider visit with loads of photos that show the great spaces in preparation, like the tropical glasshouse (4,000 m², 16 metres high) and reveals interesting facts, like the plants that were imported from Florida and have been acclimatising in Holland for eight month, or the fact that many of the zoo’s animals are already in place, and have been for a while, despite building work not having finished yet.

If you’d like to do your bit to help this splendid venture, why not sponsor an animal? There’s a lion, otters, penguins and even hairy spiders on offer, and in exchange you’ll receive (depending on how much you give) a certificate, your name on a plaque at the zoo and free entrance.

The Paris Zoo / Parc Zoologique de Paris (here) reopens on 12th April 2014

Open from 10am-6pm weekdays and 9.30am-7.30pm weekends, public holidays and during French school holidays

Slightly reduced hours from mid-October to mid-March: 10am – 5pm

Admission : from 11€ – 22€. Annual pass from 40€ – 65€

Online sales here

Official zoo site (in French): www.parczoologiquedeparis.fr

Site about the renovation (in French): www.renovationparczoologiquedeparis.fr

Facebook page (some great photos!): facebook.com/ParcZoologiqueDeParis