The old Vincennes Zoo, as it used to be called, formed an iconic part of the Paris landscape for 80 years. However, it required a thorough renovation. The challenge was to create a modern international zoo that would meet all the environmental requirements and focus on the well-being of the animals.

The Paris Zoological Park has been designed as a circuit that gives visitors the feeling of being as close as possible to the animals and their environment. To respect the well-being and rhythm of life of the 170 species represented, priority is given to vast enclosures, where living conditions and ecosystems have been re-created to be as near as possible to reality. The decor includes such features as branches, rocks and watering holes, designed to encourage each species’ biological and environmental functions. This journey into the depths of nature takes visitors through five geographical zones (known as “biozones”): Patagonia, Sudan, Europe, Amazonia and Madagascar. By progressing through a profusion of settings, they can discover the living world in all its diversity.

Although there are no HQE standards for zoological facilities, the Chrysalis project company drew inspiration from the HQE approach to create its own tailor-made, effective environmental standards. Considerable attention was given to the management of water, waste and energy needs and as a result the project is positioned as a sustainable development project. By way of example, a very elaborate water management programme has been designed using three supply sources: mains water, treated water drawn from wells and rainwater. In parallel, Chrysalis has made commitments with regard to energy performance for the entire duration of the public-private partnership. This is why the buildings have reinforced insulation and use natural ventilation, except in winter.