CERZA Zoo (Parc Zoologique Cerza)
About CERZA Zoo (Parc Zoologique Cerza)
CERZA is Normandy's largest zoological park, spanning 80 hectares in the Calvados countryside near Lisieux. Founded in 1986, the park houses over 1,500 animals from 120 species across themed zones representing different continents. Two walking circuits guide visitors through African plains with lions, giraffes, and rhinos (Red Circuit, 1h15) and Asian valleys with tigers, bears, and primates (Yellow Circuit, 1h30). A 25-minute safari train ride is included with admission, along with a 3D cinema and scheduled animal feedings. The park features a tropical house with reptiles and a mini-farm where children can interact with animals. Open February through November with seasonal hours - summer visits benefit from longer evening hours. Parking is free, and facilities include restaurants, picnic areas, and wheelchair rental.
Interesting Facts
CERZA offers overnight stays in Safari Lodges directly inside the park, allowing guests to wake up surrounded by animals like wolves, wallabies, and siamangs. The lodges, zoobservatories, and yurts accommodate up to 6 people, with prices starting at 229€ per night including breakfast and park admission.
In January 2025, the park welcomed Thanos, a 9-year-old male Indian rhinoceros from a Dutch zoo. Indian rhinos are more solitary than their African cousins and have a distinctive single horn and armor-like skin folds that make them look like prehistoric creatures.
The park's aviary spans over 2,000 square meters - roughly the size of 8 tennis courts - making it one of the largest walk-through aviaries in northern France. Visitors walk among free-flying tropical birds without barriers between them and the animals.