Cerza Zoo
A must for tourists in Calvados near Lisieux, the Cerza zoological park gives you the chance to see “in real life” incredible animals in semi-liberty from Africa, America, Oceania, Europe and Asia.
Animals at Cerza Zoo
Cerza Zoo can be visited along several different routes:
The red circuit is dedicated to Africa and its emblematic animals. You’ll see lowland herbivores such as giraffes, rhinoceroses and ostriches. Birdwatchers will discover rare animals such as the black-crowned night heron and the red ibis. And then, of course, there are the wild animals: lions, cheetahs and panthers eagerly await visitors… You’ll also have the chance to see armadillos, hyenas and manyother African animals.
The yellow circuit is dedicated to wild animals from all over the world. The Asian glade is home to Indian rhinos. The macaw aviary is home to many species of parrots and other colorful birds.
You’ll also see American bison, Alaskan wolves, red pandas and Asian gibbons, astonishing Australian animals and several species of primate. But the animal everyone wants to see on this tour is the extremely rare white tiger, and the Indonesian village is one way of putting this Asian country in the spotlight.
As well as seeing many of Indonesia’s animal species, you’ll learn more about the rich culture of this immense country. Finally, a mini-farm gives young and old the chance to meet goats, pigs, chickens and other farm animals.
You can approach them in complete safety. But these aren’t the only animals to be seen, and you’ll have to visit the park to discover these adopted Normans!
Activities at Cerza Zoo
As well as discovering all these animal species, there’s no shortage of activities at Cerza Zoo. A small train takes you on a 25-minute tour of the animal world. A real safari in the Normandy countryside, where you’ll come across bison, reindeer, ostriches and oryx. Younger guests will love the safari snacks. Children are invited to help the zookeepers feed some of the animals, while getting an insight into the work of zoo staff. Several educational activities take place every day for adults and children: guided tours, lectures, treasure hunts and an aperitif quiz will make your day at Cerza Zoo even more magical. Finally, a 3D film invites you on a thrilling journey to discover the zoo’s animals, a journey tinged with ecology and respect for animals.
Information, rates and schedules
Inside the park you’ll find all the amenities you need, including 5 food courts: 2 snack bars, a takeaway, a self-service restaurant and a brasserie. You can also rent binoculars to get a better look at the animals. Events are also organized throughout the year, such as an Easter egg hunt and World Rhino Day. Cerza Zoological Park is open daily from February 1 to November 30. Opening times vary throughout the year:
- From 10am to 5:30pm in February and March, then in October and November.
- From 9:30 am to 6:30 pm from April to June and in September.
- From 9:30 am to 7 pm in July and August.
Park fees are based on age: children under 3 enter free of charge, children aged 3 to 12 pay €15, and above that the full €22 fee applies. Disabled adults and children pay €15 and €9 respectively. The park is particularly suitable for people with reduced mobility. Please note that pets are not allowed.
Cerza is located near Lisieux. It takes about 1h30 to get there from the Escapade campsite in Cahagnolles. The quickest way is to drive through Caen, then take the A13 freeway eastwards, exit at Pont-L’Évêque and take the D579 towards Lisieux to Le Breuil-en-Auge, then take the D263A to the zoo.
