Jurques Zoo (Zoo de Jurques)
About Jurques Zoo (Zoo de Jurques)
Zoo de Jurques is a family-run wildlife park covering 17 hectares of woodland in Normandy, founded by Auguste Ourry in 1977 after relocating from Lessay. The zoo houses over 700 animals representing more than 150 species, with a particular focus on big cats including white lions, white tigers, pumas, and cheetahs. Visitors can explore themed areas such as the African savanna, Australian plains, tropical aviary, and monkey islands featuring 12 primate species. The park is a member of EAZA (European Association of Zoos and Aquaria) and participates in European breeding programs for endangered species. Plan 2.5-3 hours for a complete visit. The zoo operates seasonally from February to early January, with extended summer hours. During winter evenings, the 'Jungle de Lumières' light festival transforms the park with over 600 illuminated animal sculptures.
Interesting Facts
The zoo's white lions are not albinos but carry a rare recessive gene called leucism that affects pigmentation. Only about 300 white lions exist worldwide, making the Jurques breeding program significant for the species' genetic diversity.
Auguste Ourry, the founder, started with ornamental poultry in the 1960s before his passion evolved to exotic animals. The original zoo in Lessay became too small due to new French animal welfare space requirements, prompting the 1977 relocation to the current 17-hectare site.
The zoo welcomes approximately 110,000 visitors annually, making it one of the most visited attractions in Calvados. Despite being a family business spanning three generations, it maintains European zoo accreditation standards alongside major institutional zoos.
Planning Your Visit
Opening Hours
Ticket Prices
General Admission
RecommendedLocation & Practical Info
Address
La Butte, 14260 Dialan sur Chaîne, France
Website
https://www.zoodejurques.frDay Routes
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