Clinging right to the legendary rock, with direct access to the port of Fontvieille, this one-hectare of sunny terraces is a happy home to some 450 animals of 65 species. As of 2023, the animal garden bears the name of its creator, Prince Rainier III. This year it is celebrating its 70th anniversary. A long journey of serving abandoned, injured or endangered animals — a mission this small-sized, but large-scale zoo has taken upon itself.
The spirit of Prince Rainier III is ever present here. A great animal lover, he initiated this mini-zoo constructed on the princely family property. “During a cruise on board his yacht in 1954, the Monegasque sovereign made friends. Travelling along the African coast, he collected some chimpanzees, ostriches and crocodiles. He then commissionned the princely architect, Louis Rué, to create a zoological acclimatization centre on the princely lands”, witnesses Laurent Peyronel, a vigilant and passionate zoo worker of 22 years, managing the animal garden for the last 10 years.
Two years later, on the occasion of his marriage to Princess Grace, the Sovereign received more living gifts. An elephant was courtesy of the king of Vietnam, a pair of Atlas lions were gifted by the then sultan of Morocco, Hassan II, a pair of beavers came from Quebec etc… These were the first residents of the mini-zoo that promptly undertook the mission of giving shelter to animals in need.
“At the time, many were coming back with animals: sand foxes (fennecs) or small chimpanzees… everybody was welcome.” Laurent Peyronel is explaining how things have changed and mentalities have evolved: “In the past we used to think that as long as an animal was fed and mated, that was it… The vision of animal welfare has changed since. There came an understanding that suitable living conditions were to be recreated. We are no longer in the perspective of a menagerie, piling up as many animals as can possibly fit…”
Pollux, the zoo’s mascot hippo, who almost lost his life because of a soft toy…
Saving abandoned animals was Prince Rainier’s choice from the very start. Learning of a circus bankruptcy in 1987, the Monegasque prince decided to buy it out, animals included. This is how the hippo Pollux, who is 42 years old now, came to be one of the Monaco zoo’s favourite residents.
The lack of awareness by the visitors, however, has once almost cost the hippopotamus his life. Laurent Peyronel recalls: “One morning, ten years ago, we found him lying on his side unable to move. A specialized veterinarian from Paris told us to give him paraffin and a hundred aspirin tablets. Two days later, Pollux was still swollen and motionless. Very worried, I spent a long time by his side. Leaving him with a heavy heart, I was convinced never to see him again… As soon as the door closed behind, however, I heard a terrible noise as if a huge balloon exploded. Running back to the animal, I saw him lying in a gigantic puddle of excrement and liquid. As I got closer, I spotted a little ball he was struggling to get rid off. It was a soft toy obstructing his ways. A toy that must have fallen down while the hippo was eating…”.
There are, of course, more joyful stories to be told. Like the one of pink flamingos brought by the firefighters in 2014. One was found on the beach in Menton, one in Villeneuve-Loubet, still another one off the coast of Monaco… The young birds were tired and lost in the process of migration. Promptly installed in the lagoon, they shared space with the ducks. “That morning when I heard a loud rustling of wings, it was one of the most beautiful moments of my life. Looking up, I saw three flamingos spreading their wings and heading towards the sea to experience new adventures. A magical moment indeed.”
It must be said that the fourth flamingo chose to stay in Monaco, certainly finding its comfort quite pleasant.
The garden will be sponsoring a white-tailed bald eagle named Rainier
At the end of the year, the animal garden will be marking its 70th anniversary in style. An exhibition retracing the mini-zoo’s exceptional moments will be part of Prince Rainier III’s centenary celebrations. Among others, a sale of eco-responsible soft toys made with ocean-recovered recycled plastic, will be organized. All profits will go to three species conservation programs.
And last but not least, a white-tailed eagle bearing the name Rainier will be sponsored by the animal garden. “This large raptor has been extinct in France for the past 150 years. But a zoological park in Savoie, “The Eagles of Léman”, has undertaken a vast program of reintroducing the species. This is a great premiere. Ten breeding pairs were found in zoos and saved from extinction in captivity. Every year, young birds are now born and released into the wild. We track them using beacons. The next eagle to come into the world will be bearing the name of Rainier….” A beautiful story paying tribute to the Prince who was a great animal friend and protector.
Rainier III Animal Garden
Place du Canton
Tel (+377) 93 50 40 30
Opening hours:
- From 1 March to 31 May: 10h-12h and 14h-18h
- From 1 June to 30 September: 9h-12h and 14h-19h
- From 1 October to 28 February: 10h-12h and 14h-17h
Times and opening dates are subject to change.
Prices:
- Adults: 6 €
- Children (6–17 years): 3 €
- Children under 6 years old: free
