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 Communes of France, commune in the Allier Departments of France, department in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes in central France. Le Pal is an animal theme park in the municipal ...

, 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'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 Le Pal is a French animal theme park that combines two activities: an amusement park and a zoo in the municipality area of Saint-Pourçain-sur-Besbre, in the Allier, France. Created in 1973, the site became a theme park in 1981. It offers more tha ...

, a

launched roller coaster The launched roller coaster is a type of roller coaster that initiates a ride with high amounts of acceleration via one or a series of linear induction motors (LIM), linear synchronous motors (LSM), catapults, tires, chains, or other mechanism ...

, built by

Intamin Intamin Amusement Rides is a design and manufacturing company in Schaan, Liechtenstein, best-known for designing and constructing Amusement ride, thrill rides and roller coasters at dozens of international theme parks, amusement parks and other e ...

(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 Tickler, built in 1908 by Henry Riehl at Luna Park. Instead of trains, the ride had tubs w ...

, built by

Mack Rides Mack Rides GmbH & Co KG, also known simply as Mack Rides, is a German company that designs and constructs amusement rides, based in Waldkirch, Baden-Württemberg Baden-Württemberg ( ; ), commonly shortened to BW or BaWü, is a states of Ge ...

(2011). * Tigre de Sibérie, a

steel roller coaster A steel roller coaster is a type of roller coaster classified by its steel Railway track, track, which consists of long steel tubes that are run in pairs, supported by larger steel columns or beams. Trains running along the track typically rely ...

, built by

Reverchon Industries Reverchon Industries is a developer, designer and manufacturer of amusement park attractions that were sold all over the world. Its production unit is still set in the French city of Samois-sur-Seine, near Fontainebleau. History Gaston Reverch ...

(1990). *Azteka, a

, 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 * Reality televisi ...

(2014). *Lac des chercheurs d'or, a

tow boat ride A tow boat ride is a water ride constructed on a body of water. The course is defined by a main drive underwater cable, creating the impression of free floating boats. The station could be a revolving platform. Partial list of tow boat rides ...

. *Rapido,

water slide A water slide (also referred to as a flume, water chute, or hydroslide) is a type of Playground slide, slide designed for warm-weather or indoor recreational use at swimming pools or water parks. Water slides differ in their riding method and ...

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 valuable goods, or taking hostages. Those who conduct acts of piracy are call ...

(1995). *Rivière canadienne, a

log flume A log flume or lumber 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. Loggi ...

(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 Italy, officially the Italian Republic, is a country in Southern Europe, Southern and Western Europe, Western Europe. It consists of It ...

coaster (2007). *Descente du Colorado, a

river rafting ride A river rapids ride (or river rafting ride) is an amusement ride that simulates whitewater rafting. History The river rapids ride concept was proposed by Bill Crandall (general manager of AstroWorld in Houston) and developed by Intamin. AstroW ...

(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 rot ...

(2016) *Champi'Folies, a

dark ride A dark ride—or ghost train when horror themed—is an indoor amusement ride on which passengers aboard guided vehicles travel through specially lit scenes that typically contain Animatronics, animation, sound, music and Special effect#Live spe ...

(2023)

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 region 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 Sustainable tourism is a concept that covers the complete tourism experience, including concern for Impacts of tourism, economic, social, and environmental issues as well as attention to improving tourists' experiences and addressing the needs o ...

References

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