Parc Animalier d'Auvergne

What Parc Animalier d'Auvergne does

Parc Animalier d'Auvergne is a French ecotourism zoological park operating as SAS Parc Animalier d'Auvergne, founded in 1984 and headquartered in Ardes-sur-Couze, Puy-de-Dôme, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. The park spans 45 hectares and houses 350 animals across 60 species, with approximately 75% classified as threatened with extinction by IUCN and over 80% participating in European Endangered Species Programmes (EEPs). Its stated strategic ambition is to become the world's first zoo 100% dedicated to endangered species by 2028. The company is led by Director Pascal Damois and Publication Director Marie Demoulin, with a headcount of 11-50 employees.

The business operates a diversified revenue model anchored by gate admissions (day tickets and annual passports across adult, child, reduced-mobility, and seasonal tiers) and a layered portfolio of paid experiences including "Soigneur d'un jour" (Keeper for a Day), "Vétérinaire d'un jour," Safari Famille, private feedings, Rencontres Privilèges, nighttime tours, holiday camps, and birthday events. A wholly-owned sub-brand, the three-star Manoir des Rêves Sauvages hotel (9 themed rooms, restaurant, escape game) in Parentignat extends visitor stays and hosts corporate seminars, weddings, and team-building. Distribution is omnichannel: own-website e-commerce, on-site box office, dedicated CSE/corporate direct sales, and the cross-promotional Objectif Auvergne regional tourism card (10% discount across 7 partner sites).

Conservation is embedded as a revenue and brand mechanism through the co-founded Play for Nature endowment fund (est. 2013), which has distributed €1.3 million to over 20 wildlife conservation NGOs across 5 continents. Every ticket includes a €1.50 donation, annual passports a €2 donation, premium experiences a €2 donation, and the hotel donates 5% of revenue. The park also operates a 66%-tax-deductible animal sponsorship (parrainage) program, a round-up donation system at payment terminals (with local partner retailers), and the Tête dans les étoiles summer overnight experience (€500/night, fully donated). Notable recent accolades include designation as one of 21 Emblematic Sites of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (2022), renewed Qualité Tourisme label (96.08% audit score in 2022, held since 2016), Sécu-site security certification, and the 2023 PME RMC Trophée for "Durable-solidaire et éco-responsable."

Name

Parc Animalier d'Auvergne

Legal name

SAS Parc Animalier d'Auvergne

Website

https://parcanimalierdauvergne.fr

Company type

Private

Founded year

1984

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Parc Animalier d'Auvergne is a French 45-hectare zoological park in Puy-de-Dôme housing 350 animals across 60 threatened species, serving 100,000 annual visitors through admissions, premium keeper experiences, and the Manoir des Rêves Sauvages hotel, while channeling ticket-linked donations to its co-founded Play for Nature conservation fund.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Wildlife Tourism

NAICS

Zoos and Botanical Gardens (712130)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900), Hotels, Rooming Houses, Camps & Other Lodging Places (7000)

akta.pro primary industry

Wildlife Sanctuaries & Rescue Centers (Visitor Operations) (THAAAFAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Wildlife Conservation & Species Protection (BPAGAGAB), Advocacy, Policy & Public Awareness (Animal Welfare) (BPAGAIAJ)

Keywords

• Wildlife conservation tourism
• Zoological park services
• Animal experience programs
• Conservation education services
• Boutique hospitality

Headquarters

HQ city

Ardes-sur-couze

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Ticket sales and annual passports: Visitors pay admission fees to access the park (45 hectares in the Puy-de-Dôme). Every ticket includes a 1.50€ 'Euro Nature' donation to Play for Nature conservation projects; annual passports include 2€ per passport. Reduced-rate and free tickets are offered for children under 3 and those aged 3-9.
2. Premium visitor experiences: Fee-paying immersive activities including 'Soigneur d'un jour' (Keeper for a Day), 'Vétérinaire d'un jour' (Vet for a Day), 'Safari Famille' (Family Safari), private feedings, 'Rencontres privilège' (Privileged Encounters), 'Club Nature' (Saturday nature club), school holiday camps, and dinosaur dig experiences. Each activity generates 2€ or more for Play for Nature.
3. Accommodation and events (Manoir des Rêves Sauvages): The park operates a three-star hotel (Manoir des Rêves Sauvages, 9 themed rooms, heated pool, escape game, restaurant) located in Parentignat, 5 minutes from Issoire. Revenue from hotel stays, seminars, team-building events, weddings, bachelor/bachelorette parties, and corporate Christmas trees. The hotel donates 5% of its revenue to Play for Nature and offers guests 10% discount on park entry.
4. Donations and conservation fundraising: The park collects donations through multiple mechanisms: round-up at payment terminals (TPE/dons sur TPE), direct cash donations in collection boxes, online donations, animal sponsorship/parrainage programs (deductible at 66%), and the 'Tête dans les étoiles' overnight experience (500€ per night, all donated). Total conservation target of 110,000€ annually.
5. Corporate and group events: CSE (employee committees) billeting packages, company seminars, team-building activities, and school/education group visits are offered with dedicated pricing (20+ persons minimum for group rates). An annual Christmas tree event for companies is also offered.
6. Retail (boutique): On-site gift shop selling souvenirs at the end of the visitor journey. Refunds and exchanges are not permitted for shop purchases per CGV.
7. Restaurant and catering: Daily restaurant points (1-4 per day) serve local products to visitors. Catering is also provided for seminars and events at the Manoir. Group bookings for 1 week in advance may be charged for the full confirmed meal count even if attendees are absent.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Parc Animalier d'Auvergne operates a 45-hectade zoological park in the Puy-de-Dôme housing 350 animals of 60 species (approximately 75% threatened with extinction), selling day tickets, annual passports, premium animal experiences (keeper-for-a-day, family safaris, private feedings, vet-for-a-day), educational programs for schools, and operating the affiliated Manoir des Rêves Sauvages three-star hotel for accommodation, seminars, weddings, and team-building events. Every admission includes a built-in €1.50 donation to the co-founded Play for Nature endowment fund that channels funds to 20+ global wildlife conservation projects.

Product overview

Parc Animalier d'Auvergne is a wildlife conservation park housing 350 animals across 60 rare and threatened species on 45 hectares in the Auvergne volcanic region. The park operates as a mission-driven company (entreprise à mission) with the stated goal of becoming the world's first zoo 100% dedicated to threatened species by 2028. Its product portfolio centers on visitor admissions (day tickets and annual passports across multiple tariff categories), paid experience activities (keeper-for-a-day, safaris, private feedings, carnivore wake-ups, nighttime tours), family and senior multi-day stays (Immersion 360 and Échappée Sauvage packages at the affiliated Manoir des Rêves Sauvages*** hotel), and an animal sponsorship program that channels donations directly to Play for Nature conservation projects worldwide. Additional offerings include holiday camps and nature clubs for children, corporate seminars and team-building events, birthday celebrations, and the summer 'La Tête dans les étoiles' overnight experience. The park's own themed accommodation property (Manoir des Rêves Sauvages***) and its themed rooms, escape game, weddings, and event hosting are operated as a sub-brand, while ticket and activity products are sold both online and at the gate.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Manoir des Rêves Sauvages: Three-star hotel, seminars, weddings, escape game, and unique accommodation experience located 25 minutes from the park in Parentignat
• La Tête dans les Étoiles
• Parrainage Animal

Products and services

• Day tickets (Billet Nature) Day admission tickets to the 45-hectare zoological park housing 350 animals of 60 species, sold to individual visitors and families in age-based and seasonal tariff categories.
• Annual passports (Passeport annuel) Annual subscription pass granting one year of unlimited park access to individual visitors, offered in adult (10+) and child (3-9) categories.
• Soigneur d'un jour (Keeper for a Day) Premium immersive experience allowing visitors to participate in animal keeper duties, sold as a single-person or duo package.
• Safari Famille (Family Safari) Guided family safari tours through the park offered in afternoon, full-day, and weekend variants, including park entry and meal options depending on the package.
• Nourrissages privés (Private feedings) Short private feeding sessions with specific animal species, sold per-person to individual visitors on the day or by reservation.
• Anniversaire (Birthday celebration) Birthday celebration packages hosted at the park for children, requiring advance reservation.
• Stages vacances (Holiday nature camps) Multi-day nature camps for older children and teenagers during school holidays, including meals but excluding overnight accommodation.
• Camps natures Nature camps for children and teenagers aged 10-15, sold per participant with mandatory reservation.
• Rencontres privilèges (Privileged encounters) Exclusive close-up animal encounter experience for small groups of up to three people, including park admission.
• Club Nature Saturday-morning extra-curricular nature club sessions for children, including park admission.
• Réveil des carnivores (Carnivore wake-up breakfast) Early-morning guided experience combining a carnivore wake-up observation with breakfast service.
• Séminaire et arbre de Noël (Corporate seminars and Christmas tree event) Corporate event packages including seminars, team-building, and an annual company Christmas tree event for CSE and business clients.
• Parrainage d'animaux (Animal sponsorship) Symbolic animal adoption program with donations fully directed to Play for Nature conservation projects in the species' natural habitat, eligible for 66% tax deduction.
• La Tête dans les étoiles Seasonal overnight accommodation experience held at the park during summer weekends near endangered species enclosures, with proceeds donated to conservation.
• Manoir des Rêves Sauvages*** (hotel) Three-star themed boutique hotel and event venue affiliated with the park, offering themed rooms, an escape game, a restaurant, and hosting for seminars, weddings, team-building, and corporate events.
• Séjour Immersion 360 Week-long family immersion package combining park accommodation at Manoir des Rêves Sauvages, activities, and meals.
• Séjour Seniors Échappée Sauvage Week-long themed package for senior travelers combining regional cultural and nature activities.
• Visites Nocturnes (Nighttime visits) Guided evening tours of the park after closing, with animal observations and refreshments included.

Quantifiable outcome

• 100,000 annual visitors are sensitized to biodiversity protection and leave as ambassadors for endangered species conservation.
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

26 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• Play for NatureflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2013Co-founded by the park in 2013, Play for Nature is a fonds de dotation (endowment fund) that channels conservation donations globally. Has distributed 1.3M€ to conservation projects on 5 continents since inception. The park donates 1.50€ per ticket (Euro Nature), 2€ per annual passport, 2€ per premium experience, and operates round-up donations at payment terminals. In 2025, the park donated over 100,000€ to Play for Nature. The fund organizes its own events including Kids Trail (1,600+ students annually) and 'Tête dans les étoiles' overnight stays.
• Red Panda NetworkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSan Francisco-based NGO protecting red pandas and their habitat in Nepal since 2001. Actions include population data collection, community sensitization in schools, and anti-poaching forest ranger patrols. Since 2020, developing the world's first red panda conservation area in Panchtar-Ilam-Taplejung, Nepal. Play for Nature and the park fund anti-poaching networks, water source identification/restoration, dog sterilization, and community outreach. Target: 15,000€ in 2023/2024.
• Snow Leopard TrustcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLongest-running snow leopard protection organization. Active in 12+ countries including Mongolia. Runs the first long-term GPS-collar ecological study of snow leopards (since 2008). The park funds the 'predation prevention' project: protecting pastures from snow leopard encroachment so that wild prey can repopulate, reducing human-wildlife conflict. In 2022, the park contributed 15,000€.
• Big Life FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKenya/Tanzania-based organization protecting 1.6M hectares and 2,000 elephants, 250 lions, and 8 eastern black rhinos. Park supports the Maasai Olympics: a sports competition replacing the traditional lion hunt as a rite of passage for Maasai young men, combined with conservation education. Target: 15,000€ annually. Park staff have attended the event in person.
• The Sloth Conservation FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounded 2016 to protect sloths in Costa Rica. The park supports the 'Connected Gardens' project: constructing biological corridors with bridges and tree planting to protect Hoffmann's two-toed and brown-throated sloths from power line electrocution, dog attacks, and deforestation.
• ABConservationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe world's only organization solely dedicated to studying and protecting the binturong. The park supports the 'Bearcat Study Program' (population, territory, social behaviors) and the renovation of the Palawan wildlife rescue center in the Philippines.
• Antongil ConservationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMadagascar NGO founded 1999 protecting Farankaraina forest (1,660 hectares) and its red ruffed lemurs (varis roux). Actions include species translocation, reforestation, community sensitization, and eco-tourism development. Play for Nature contributed 6,000€ in 2021.
• CSFI (Corozal Sustainable Future Initiative)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBelize NGO protecting the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef region. Purchased forest parcels linking Shipstern Nature Reserve to Honey Camp and Freshwater Creek reserves, creating a 5,000+ km² corridor. Park and Play for Nature fund patrol teams and protected area management salaries.
• ICAS (Instituto de Conservação de Animais Silvestrés)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBrazilian institute protecting giant armadillos and giant anteaters. Park supports the Giant Armadillo Project (GPS equipment and vet/biologist salaries) and the 'Anteaters & Highways' project (GPS harnesses to study road impact on giant anteaters). Park welcomed Anoki the giant anteater in 2022.
• IPE (Instituto de Pesquisas Ecológicas)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBrazilian institute running the Lowland Tapir Conservation Initiative since 1996. Park funds GPS collars, camera traps, and school/farmer education programs. Contributed 6,000€ in 2021.
• Borneo Nature FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndonesian NGO founded 1999 protecting Sebangau National Park, home to orangutans, hornbills, and countless ant species. Park funds habitat restoration (reforestation and fire prevention) with 5,000€ per project in 2021.
• Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNamibian organization founded 1990 dedicated to saving wild cheetahs. Park supports the reintroduction and post-release monitoring of 5 cheetahs via GPS collars and veterinary follow-ups in Namibia.
• Mbou Mon TourminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDRC organization protecting bonobos (Critically Endangered, <5,500 in the wild). Park supports football, Nzango, and Silikoti (traditional women's sports) tournaments to unite local communities around bonobo protection, forest management, and poverty reduction.
• ArmoníaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBolivian bird conservation organization founded 1996. Supports futsal championship organized by rangers to celebrate the 27th anniversary of the El Palmar protected area and raise awareness for the critically endangered scarlet macaw (ara à front rouge).
• ACB Côte d'IvoireminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIvory Coast biodiversity organization developing environmental consciousness. Park supports a sports event (football tournament and marathon) around the Tanoé-Ehy Forest Marsh Voluntary Nature Reserve to educate local communities about sustainable resource management.
• Tube AwùminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCameroonian marine/coastal biodiversity conservation organization. Park supports a sports education project combining traditional wrestling and football tournaments to sensitize youth about marine/coastal species and threats in the Manyange na Elombo Campo Marine Park.
• Tropical Forest and Rural DevelopmentminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCameroonian association operating in 42 villages around the Dja Faunal Reserve. Park supports a mini football and women's handball tournament for youth to promote composting, fallow parcel rehabilitation, and deforestation prevention.
• ABOYERDminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCameroonian non-profit protecting biodiversity including pangolins (endangered due to habitat loss, poaching, and bushmeat trade). Park supports the Ngouroumoutou pangolin protection project via traditional dance sport competitions combined with reforestation and community education.
• Free the BearsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAsian bear rescue and rehabilitation organization. Park supports the 'Walk for Wildlife' event: a sponsored walk in Cat Tien National Park, Vietnam to fund medical care and equipment for the bear sanctuary.
• CREDI-ONGminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBenin organization managing the Sitatunga Valley Reserve (16,000+ hectares of wetlands with 210+ bird, 64 reptile, 47 mammal species). Park supports biodiversity monitoring, eco-citizen awareness campaigns, tree planting (1,000+ seedlings), and sporting events for conservation.
• TACUGAMA Chimpanzee SanctuaryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSierra Leone chimpanzee rescue and rehabilitation organization. With fewer than 5,500 western chimpanzees remaining in the wild in Sierra Leone, the park supports sports, cultural, and educational events combining chimpanzee habitat protection messaging for local communities.
• BEESminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBenin NGO operating in the Lower Ouémé Valley Biosphere Reserve. Park supports pirogue (canoe) tournaments to raise awareness about mangrove ecosystem and threatened aquatic species conservation among local communities in 4 municipalities.
• MMA d'IssoireminorGTM or Marketing PartnerInsurance company based in Issoire that sponsors the annual Kids Trail event organized by Play for Nature, providing financial support for the sports competition involving 1,600+ primary and secondary school students.
• Biotopie, La boulangerie Colette, VétorillacminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal Issoire-area businesses (an organic grocery, a bakery, and a veterinary clinic) that joined the Play for Nature round-up/donation program (dons sur TPE) in 2022, allowing their customers to make small conservation donations at point of sale.
• Région Auvergne-Rhône-AlpesflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional government authority that selected the park as one of 21 Emblematic Sites of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes under the regional tourism plan 2022-2027. This designation provides promotional support and positions the park as a flagship destination for sustainable tourism in the region.
• Objectif Auvergne (6 partner tourism sites)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerA regional tourism cross-promotion alliance of 7 Puy-de-Dôme attractions: L'Aventure Michelin, Volcan de Lemptégy, Royatonic, Château de Murol, Panoramique des Dômes, Grotte de la Pierre de Volvic, and Parc Animalier d'Auvergne. Visitors receive a 10% discount on park tickets with the Objectif Auvergne travel card.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• ZooParc de Beauval: France's most-visited zoological park, world-renowned for high-profile conservation breeding (including giant pandas). Comparable to Parc Animalier d'Auvergne in product category and EEP participation but materially larger in visitor scale, hotel integration, and brand reach.
• Pairi Daiza: Belgium's flagship wildlife and leisure park, one of Europe's largest and most-visited zoos with integrated lodging (4 hotels) and a substantial conservation footprint. Comparable to Parc Animalier d'Auvergne in mission and product architecture (lodging + zoo + conservation), but operates at significantly greater scale and breadth.
• Chester Zoo: The UK's largest charity zoo and one of the world's leading conservation zoos, with extensive fieldwork funding and EEP participation. Comparable to Parc Animalier d'Auvergne in mission (conservation-first zoo with global conservation funding) though at much greater scale, headcount and revenue.

Direct peers

• Zoo de la Palmyre: One of the oldest and most-visited French zoos, located on the Atlantic coast. Comparable to Parc Animalier d'Auvergne as a French zoological park with similar visitor scale, international species collection, and participation in EEP breeding programs.
• Réserve Africaine de Sigean: A French wildlife park on the Mediterranean coast operating visitor-facing safari-style wildlife experiences with a strong conservation mission. Highly comparable to Parc Animalier d'Auvergne as a regionally-scaled French zoological park with similar scale of visitor operations and conservation funding mechanisms.
• Parc zoologique de Thoiry: A French zoological park and château estate near Paris offering immersive wildlife drive-through and walk-through experiences plus events. Comparable to Parc Animalier d'Auvergne in product/market, with shared French regional-zoo economics, premium experiences, and on-site event hosting.
• Réserve de la Haute Touche (MNHN): The Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle's 400-hectare wildlife reserve in the Brenne region, dedicated to European breeding programs for threatened species. Comparable to Parc Animalier d'Auvergne through shared EEP participation and endangered-species focus, though a public institution without a premium experience/hotel monetization layer.
• Parc de Branféré: A wildlife park in Brittany combining zoological collections with accommodation and conservation programs. Comparable to Parc Animalier d'Auvergne through its integrated on-site lodging, family-focused experiential offer, and conservation-linked positioning.
• Zoo d'Amnéville: A French regional zoo in Lorraine operating walk-through exhibits with a focus on rare species and conservation. Comparable to Parc Animalier d'Auvergne as a mid-sized French zoological park with similar conservation and species-preservation positioning.

Others

• Association Française des Parcs Zoologiques (AFdPZ): The French zoological parks professional association representing accredited zoos in France and internationally (WAZA/EAZA member). Comparable as an ecosystem participant: the park participates in European breeding programs and the same regulatory framework, and AFdPZ provides industry coordination, accreditation, and best-practice sharing relevant to its operations.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/ParcAnimalierdAuvergne
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/parc-animalier-d'auvergne
• Instagraminstagram.com/parcanimalierdauvergne
• TikToktiktok.com/@parcanimalierdauvergne
• Xx.com/zooauvergne

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Parc Animalier d'Auvergne