Le Pal is a French

animal theme park An animal theme park, also known as a zoological theme park, is a combination of an amusement park and a zoo, mainly for entertainment, amusement, and commercial purposes. Many animal theme parks combine classic theme park elements, such as themed ...

that combines two activities: an amusement park and a zoo in the municipality area of

Saint-Pourçain-sur-Besbre Saint-Pourçain-sur-Besbre (, literally ''Saint-Pourçain on Besbre'') is a commune in the Allier department in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes in central France. Le Pal is an animal theme park in the municipality area of Saint-Pourçain-sur-Besbre. P ...

, in the Allier, France. Created in 1973, the site became a theme park in 1981. It offers more than 25 attractions and more than 600 animals in semi-captivity, among several animal shows.

History

Le Pal zoo was created in 1973 by André Charbonnier (1929-1981) with the help of the

Vincennes Zoo The Paris Zoological Park (), formerly known as the Bois de Vincennes Zoological Park (), and commonly called the Vincennes Zoo, is a facility of the National Museum of Natural History, located in the 12th arrondissement of Paris, which covers ...

's veterinary surgeon. In the first years the park already had a train and a small playground. It's in 1981 that the park became a true amusement park. 280000 people visited Le Pal in 1998.

Attractions

There are many attractions and shows including : * Yukon Quad, a launched roller coaster, built by Intamin (2018). *Twist, a

spinning roller coaster A spinning roller coaster is a roller coaster with cars that rotate on a vertical axis. Models Virginia Reel The first spinning roller coaster was the Sierra Sidewinder, first built in 1908 by Henry Riehl. Instead of trains, the ride had "tubs ...

, built by Mack Rides (2011). * Tigre de Sibérie, a steel roller coaster, built by

Reverchon Industries Reverchon Industries was a developer, designer and manufacturer of amusement park attractions that were sold all over the world. The company went into liquidation in September 2008, filing for bankruptcy and closing down their manufacturing and ope ...

(1990). *Azteka, a steel roller coaster, built by Soquet (2003). *Alligator Baie, a

Splash Battle Splash or Splash! or The Splash may refer to: Common meanings * Splash (fluid mechanics), sudden disturbances on the surface of water Entertainment * ''Splash'' (film), a 1984 fantasy film starring Tom Hanks and Daryl Hannah ** '' Splash, Too ...

(2014). *Lac des chercheurs d'or, a tow boat ride. *Rapido,

water slide A water slide (also referred to as a flume, or water chute) is a type of slide designed for warm-weather or indoor recreational use at water parks. Water slides differ in their riding method and therefore size. Some slides require riders to s ...

s (2005). *Bateau pirate, a

pirate ship Piracy is an act of robbery or criminal violence by ship or boat-borne attackers upon another ship or a coastal area, typically with the goal of stealing cargo and other valuable goods. Those who conduct acts of piracy are called pirates, v ...

(1995). *Rivière canadienne, a

log flume A log flume is a watertight flume constructed to transport lumber and logs down mountainous terrain using flowing water. Flumes replaced horse- or oxen-drawn carriages on dangerous mountain trails in the late 19th century. Logging operations pr ...

(1992). *Disque du soleil,

Disk'O The Disk'O (also known as Skater or Surf's Up) is a type of flat ride manufactured by Zamperla of Italy. The ride is a larger version of a Rockin' Tug Rockin' Tug is a flat tugboat ride manufactured by Zamperla. The ride is manufactured in both ...

coaster (2007). *Descente du Colorado, a river rafting ride (1988). *Chaises volantes,

wave swinger The swing ride or chair swing ride (sometimes called a swing carousel, wave swinger, yo-yo, waver swinger, Chair-O-Planes, Dodo or swinger) is an amusement ride that is a variation on the carousel in which the seats are suspended from the ro ...

(2016)

Lodging

With an investment of 4.5 million euros Le Pal launches "Les Lodges du Pal" a unique safari-like style hotel in Europe, on April 13, 2013. Extended over 9 to 12 acres, it includes a hundred of bed in 24 lodges with a 40 m² surface area. These lodges were built on piles and are embellished with the African savannah colors, and can also host 5 people. These accommodations give a beautiful view on several animal species such as zebras or springboks along with a new exotic area. The park suggests the Tanganika restaurant and a patio facing a pond. Surrounded by the forest and next to the zoo's area, the hotel is only available during the operating season of the theme park.

Economic data

Each year, the park invests 10 to 13% of its income in innovations. In other words, almost 3.5 million euros are reinvested yearly for a turnover around 12 million euros. With an 80% loyalty rate, Le Pal is the fifth most visited amusement park in France and the fourth in the zoo sector. It is the first tourist attraction in the department of Auvergne. Protection programs

Le Pal Nature Foundation

Created in April 2008, Le Pal Nature Foundation is dedicated to the biodiversity preservation all around the world. It initiates, helps, financially assists, technically and human projects in France and abroad which suggest perennial solutions towards threats facing biodiversity, especially endangered species as well as their habitat. Projects are chosen according to their seriousness, their actions in the long run and their involvement of local populations. The financial fulfillment of the foundation is a budget of €45,000 per year within a multi-year actions program over 5 years.

Obtaining the Green Globe certification

In October 2010, Le Pal was the first French theme park which obtained a Green Globe, an international certification for sustainable tourism.

References

{{authority control Animal theme parks Amusement parks in France Zoos in France Companies based in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes 1973 establishments in France