Asson Zoo: a day in a human-sized zoo

Located at the foot of the Pyrenees, between Pau and Lourdes, the Asson Zoo is much more than just a zoo. It's a sanctuary of wildlife nestled in a lush, green setting, where close encounters with animals become a magical experience. Since its creation in 1964, this human-scale park has continually evolved to become a benchmark in animal welfare and education. Here, you don't just look at the animals: you learn to love them, respect them, and protect the living world as a whole.

Whether you are a wildlife enthusiast, a family seeking adventure or a lover of exotic gardens, the Asson Zoo offers you an enchanting interlude in the heart of a welcoming and committed jungle.

Cover photo: ©Armand Lateulère

A passionate ethic dedicated to biodiversity

Asson Zoo stands out for its unwavering commitment to animal welfare. Recognized with numerous international awards and holder of the prestigious "Guaranteed Animal Welfare" label, the park places ethics at the heart of its daily mission.

The team that runs the zoo is made up of true enthusiasts whose goal is to share their love of biodiversity. The park is a major player in the protection of endangered species worldwide. By visiting Asson, you directly support ten conservation programs across three continents. This concrete commitment translates into essential on-the-ground actions for nature conservation. For example:

• In Indonesia: active participation in the purchase and protection of primary forest plots to preserve the habitat of local species.
• In Nepal: management of protected areas to guarantee a refuge for wild animals.
• In Ivory Coast: scientific studies and protection of the very rare dwarf (or pygmy) hippopotamus, a species in serious danger of extinction.

The zoo also achieves the feat of regularly breeding endangered species, thus ensuring a future for animal lineages that could disappear without the intervention of modern zoological parks.

A unique immersion, where barriers disappear.

What immediately strikes visitors to Asson Zoo is the feeling of freedom and direct connection with the wildlife. The park has eliminated fences and glass wherever possible, favoring spaces for total immersion. You are no longer simply a spectator; you become a guest of the animals.

The journey is punctuated by six special locations where emotion takes on a new dimension:

1. The Exotic Aviaries: From the very first steps, large parrots with shimmering colours, scarlet ibises and mysterious hornbills fly confidently above your heads.
2. The Lost Temple: This themed tropical greenhouse is a botanical marvel. Beneath dense vegetation, you'll encounter giant bats, impressive tortoises, and striking emerald-green snakes.
3. Between Asia and Australia: A unique aviary in France where multicolored parrots and miniature squirrels roam freely all around you.
4. The Outback: This two-hectare meadow is kangaroo territory. Walking on their land, you will also encounter alpacas, Patagonian hares, and a colony of prairie dogs.
5. Nosy Be: Enter the Malagasy bamboo grove to admire the acrobatics of the free-roaming lemurs. Public feedings are always an opportunity to laugh at their antics.

Step into the shoes of a zookeeper for exclusive experiences

Have you always dreamed of discovering what goes on behind the scenes and understanding the unique bond between humans and animals? Asson Zoo offers immersive activities to transform your visit into an unforgettable human adventure. These programs are suitable for all ages.

Mini Zookeeper (6-10 years old)

Specially designed for young explorers, this program allows children to gently discover the work of an animal caretaker. The program includes animal feedings, educational activities, and a memorable snack to conclude this exciting afternoon.

Zookeeper for a day (ages 12 and up)

This immersive experience is designed for teenagers and adults. In a small group (maximum 3 participants), you'll share a morning's work with the animal care teams. It's the perfect opportunity to get close to red pandas and participate in the daily care of many other species.

Therapist for an Evening: The Premium Experience

This is a unique opportunity at Asson Zoo. Working alongside a professional zookeeper, you'll experience the park's daily life during the animals' return to their enclosures. You'll have the privilege of caring for ocelots, servals, otters, and pygmy hippos in an intimate and special setting.

"Nature Challenges": the treasure hunt for learning while having fun

To make the visit even more dynamic and intergenerational, the Asson Zoo is exclusively hosting the large-scale live game "Nature Challenges: Adventure Quest". A French leader in nature-based games, "Nature Challenges" has chosen Asson to implement its first large-scale immersive experience.

Armed with a puzzle booklet, children become the heroes of their own expedition. They must explore the zoo's pathways in search of clues to answer fascinating questions about the wild world. This scavenger hunt is a fun and clever way to learn while having fun, transforming each enclosure into a captivating investigation.

In addition, the "ZooAthlon" course allows younger children to test their own physical abilities by comparing them to those of animals: jumping, balance and speed are all part of the experience!

Extraordinary animals to discover

At Asson Zoo, every animal is a star. The park is home to legendary species that leave a lasting impression on visitors.

• Radjah, the White Tiger: a true embodiment of wild power, he is the emblem of the park.
• Red Pandas and Dwarf Otters: champions of "cuteness", they captivate with their agility and their likeability.
• The Pygmy Hippopotamuses: housed in a luxury complex with biologically filtered pools, they always seem to wear a good-natured smile.
• Axolotls: these bizarre and adorable aquatic creatures are the true stars of social media.
• Snow Leopards: from 2026, a spectacular new habitat will be inaugurated for these "ghosts of the Himalayas".
• Ocelots: these elegant felines with speckled coats fascinate with their grace and social behaviors, such as mutual grooming sessions which testify to their great complicity.

A Journey to the Time of the Dinosaurs

The adventure wouldn't be complete without a journey into the past. The zoo offers two educational trails where you can encounter twelve species of dinosaurs. Through captivating slideshows, you'll learn to separate fact from fiction. These extinct creatures, shaped by cinema, are presented here from a scientific and playful perspective to amaze visitors of all ages.

A practical guide to organizing your day at Asson Zoo

The park is designed to offer a smooth visit, without excessive fatigue, ideal for families and seniors.

• The zoo is open every day of the year, without exception. Winter days offer a peaceful atmosphere ideal for wildlife viewing. Don't hesitate to book your tickets on the official website.
• Allow half a day. Although the tour takes 2 hours, it would be a shame to miss the ten daily feedings led by the keepers, where you can ask all your questions.
• A snack bar offers a wide selection of tasty dishes and snacks. A picnic area and a safe playground are also available.
• To extend the experience, the shop offers a selection of plush toys, educational games, comics and toys on the theme of the animal world.

Asson Zoo is a must-see destination in the Béarn Pyrenees. It's a place where the beauty of lush vegetation combines with the magic of animal encounters to create unforgettable memories. Come and experience a complete immersion in the heart of nature!

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