A visit to the Mamelles zoological and botanical park is an experience not to be missed during your stay in Guadeloupe! There are 1.2 km of signposted paths where you can discover animals that are emblematic of the region, such as the jaguar, red panda, caiman, lemur, raccoon (the park's emblem), puma, toucan, anaconda, etc.
The Mamelles zoological and botanical park, more commonly known as the Mamelles park or the Guadeloupe zoo, is located on the island of Basse-Terre. Covering more than 2 hectares of tropical forest, the park is home to more than 85 species of animal from French Guiana and the Caribbean: birds, reptiles, mammals and arthropods, totalling more than 450 individuals. This lush area is also home to over a thousand plant species, including wild pineapples and orchids. Discover it on an optional walk through the canopy, on footbridges suspended 20 metres high. The zoo is committed to safeguarding and protecting wildlife. To this end, it collaborates with a number of associations on projects in the West Indies and around the world. The Mamelles zoological and botanical park is a member of EAZA, the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums, which is proof of its seriousness and quality.

Starting from the Maison de la Forêt, a discovery trail takes you on a tour of the tree ferns in the tropical jungle.
- © Rafal Michal Gadomski / ShutterstockWhy visit the Mamelles zoological and botanical park?

Raccoons are the emblem of the Mamelles park in Bouillante. Watching this small animal will amaze the youngest visitors
- © photofort 77 / ShutterstockThe park is also home to various species of insects and plants, including the tree fern, the alpinia, the bird of paradise, the incense tree and the red mapou. 400 metres of footbridges at a height of 20 metres are also available for the more adventurous, for a walk of around 20 to 25 minutes through the canopy (not recommended if you suffer from vertigo...).

However, for the price of admission, you can expect to see more animals. In fact, apart from the jaguars and raccoons, it's sometimes difficult to spot the animal species. So, although the park is for everyone, it is particularly aimed at families and children. This is thanks in particular to its activities and the Kaz' à Tarzan installation of footbridges, secret passages and slides for the youngest visitors.
Visits to meet the animal care staff are also available every day. The Mamelles park teams will tell you more about a particular animal species, such as the jaguar or the maki catta. This is a great way to learn more about the zoo's wildlife protection activities, in small groups.

Last but not least, the park offers birthday parties where children can become animal caretakers for a day. Participants can prepare the animals' meals and help to distribute them. A festive and educational experience that will delight the little guests!
Finally, young and old alike will agree that the Mamelles wet jungle is a real plunge into the Guadeloupean rainforest.
The commitments of Parc des Mamelles
The Mamelles zoological park is very committed to the protection of species, funding numerous university and museum research programmes to conserve animals in their natural environment. It also contributes to the conservation of endangered species. Lastly, the teams at Mamelles work with researchers to learn more about and preserve local animals and vegetation. An animal care centre has also been set up on site to ensure the health and safety of the animals, thanks to the work of specialist vets.

Parc des Mamelles is mainly home to wildlife from Guadeloupe and French Guiana.
- © Martin Siepmann/ age fotostockAs a member of the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums (EAZA), this unique botanical and zoological park meets numerous standards for the management of animals in captivity. The aim of the European EASA label is to promote cooperation between zoos to ensure the survival of different animal species. Only 15% of European zoos have obtained this label, so it's a real guarantee of respect for animal welfare and quality for visitors.
Where to eat in Parc des Mamelles?
The Mamelles zoological and botanical park is home to Le Pik, a bistronomic Creole restaurant. Open Monday to Sunday, from 12pm to 3pm. It offers traditional, home-cooked cuisine using fresh produce: a great gourmet way to round off your visit! Opposite the park, Les Amaryllis snack bar is another great place to grab a bite to eat for less.
Practical information
Situated in the heart of a dense forest near the town of Bouillante, Parc des Mamelles is accessible via the mythical Route de la traversée - the only route that crosses the Basse-Terre massif from one end to the other. The park is open to the public every day, including Sundays and public holidays. Admission is from 9am to 6pm, with the ticket office closing at 4.30pm. To avoid peak times, we recommend that you visit the zoo as soon as it opens. However, a visit at the end of the day is also a good idea, as it allows you to discover the forest under the soft orange light. Note that the tour is accessible to people with reduced mobility and pushchairs, with the exception of the walkway tour.

Admission to costs: 16.5 euros for adults and 11 euros for children. Group rates are available for groups of 10 adults or more, as well as annual passes. If you plan to visit other sites during your stay, you can opt to buy a combined ticket pass for other tourist attractions in Guadeloupe, such as the Jardin de Valombreuse or the Musée du Café.