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The Zoo in the Jardin des Plantes was inaugurated in 1794, the second oldest in the world. All the Ménagerie buildings are classified as historical monuments since 1993. It was moved from Versailles after a 1793 National Assembly decision dictated that all exotic animals in private hands should be donated to the Ménagerie of Versailles or killed and stuffed. Although it doesn't have very large animals like elephants, the menagerie includes 200 species of animals, a third of which are threatened with extinction. Opening hours: 9h-17h30 (17h from Nov. to Jan.) Entrance fee: €13 How to go:  Jussieu or Gare Austerlitz metro stations

This small zoo is located in the Public Gardens and includes about 300 animals. The zoo was founded 50 years ago and has recently modernised the facilities, which meet the needs with respect to wild animals conservationism and where they are closer to their environment. Bigger animals in the zoo come either from circuses or other zoos. Opening hours : 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (4 p.m. in Winter) Entrance fee (standard): €5