PICTURES. Discover the animals of the Tête d’Or park 100 years ago
By Theo Zuili
Published on
The zoological garden of the Parc de la Tête d’Or is well known. Created in 1858, one after the inauguration of the park, it gradually accommodates an increasing number of animals.
With the rise of photography in Lyon, the first postcards of the zoological garden were published shortly after the start of the 20th century.
The animals posing in black and white, these cards are delivered by post as a souvenir and deposited today in the archives of the City of Lyon. Dive back 100 years to discover a zoo from another century.
Deer colonize the park
The Parc de la Tête d’Or zoo was not, in its origins, predestined to welcome lions or crocodiles. First, it was just an educational farm with dairy cows, sheep and a handful of wild animals.
Deer are the first to settle in the park. At first numbering about twenty, they have, from generation to generation, created a veritable herd.
Around the birds
The birds are gradually taking their place. First swans, free in the park, then birds of all types, and even some exotic ones.
More and more exotic animals arrive
The park began to metamorphose from the 1860s: after the antelopes, bears and wolves, more and more exotic animals multiplied at the rate of development.
The farm disappears, now panthers, lions and an elephant are housed there.
We welcome zebras and even kangaroos.
Flamingos, big cats, monkeys, giraffes… Many animals are not part of this non-exhaustive list.
In the 21st century, zoos face multiple challenges from the perspective of the welfare of wild animals in captivity. In 2021 in particular, animal rights activists are calling for the closure of the Parc de la Tête d’Or zoo.
After the death of the last lion in Lyon, it’s the crocodiles’ turn to leave the park. These were two promises from the City of Lyon and the environmental executive at the start of their mandate.
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