Photo : Laurent Fraquet / Wikimedia Commons (Domaine public)
Zoos & wildlife parks · LoireWorth a visit
Espace Zoologique de St-Martin la plaine
The Espace zoologique de Saint-Martin-la-Plaine is a zoo in the Loire, between Lyon and Saint-Étienne. Opened in 1972 by Pierre and Éliane Thivillon, it was the first zoo-refuge to take in seized or abandoned animals.
Its shady paths lead to the animals' enclosures. Glass panels let visitors come face to face with gorillas and lions. The zoo is especially known for its great apes.
