FUN WITH MAPS ISSUE 2026-097

By Steve Kovacs (Introduction by Chuck Gibson)

LOVELAND, OH (June 10, 2026) – This edition of Fun with Maps introduces us to the first zoo open to the public.

ANIMALS IN THE HEART OF PARIS

The world’s first public zoo opened on June 10, 1793 in Paris, France. The animals were previously part of the Royal Menagerie at Versailles and travelling shows. 

Although the Tiergarten Schonbrunn in Vienna is older and is the world’s oldest zoo in continual operation, it was established as an Imperial amusement and not originally open to the public.

Le Ménagerie du Jardin des Plantes was located in an already established park area known for its research, conservationism, and public access.  Lions, tigers, elephants and bears were the main attractions in the original collection.  And by the mid-19th century the zoo had grown to house the largest collection of exotic animals in Europe.

Today Le Menagerie houses small and medium-sized animals while the larger collection and more exotic animals are located in the newer Parc Zoologique de Paris, part of the National Museum of Natural History.

Here is Braun and Hogenberg’s view of Paris from 1575.

Steve Kovacs and his wife Theresa reside in Loveland, Ohio where they raised their two children. He is a passionate collector of antique maps. Visit his antique map boutique world-on-paper online. Watch for his daily feature Fun with Maps here on Loveland Beacon.