Le Refuge de l'Arche

The primary mission of the Refuge de l'Arche, located in Château-Gontier (53), is to rescue and care for wild animals in distress. It takes in, cares for and looks after around a thousand animals seized by the authorities or abandoned by private individuals.
Victims of mistreatment, human stupidity or trauma, each animal has a story to tell, which you're sure to discover during your visit. Illegally kept, from the world of entertainment (circuses), from zoos or retired from laboratories, they start a new life here. A veritable sanctuary, all the animals have been rescued. Felines, bears, monkeys, birds, reptiles and other animals that have become too impregnated by humans and cannot be released back into the wild will end their lives as peacefully as possible.

More than just a visit, our animator invites you to join her on a tour to learn more about the lives, characteristics and stories of our residents.

The Refuge de l'Arche is managed by the CEPAN association (Club d'Étude et de Protection des Animaux et de la Nature), which has been recognised as being of public utility since November 2014. New for 2022: cat parks, new primate areas, European zone.

OPENINGS :
January: 10am to 5pm, weekends only (closed on 1 January)
February, March: 10am to 6pm
April, May, June, July, August: 10am to 7pm
September, October: 10am to 6pm
November, December: 10am to 5pm, school holidays (all zones), bank holidays and weekends only (closed on 25 December).

Last admissions: 1 hour before the park closes
For safety reasons, the Refuge may be closed in bad weather.
Shop open all year round.

NEW IN 2026 :
The "Apprenti soigneur" game book will accompany children aged 6 to 10 throughout their visit to the Refuge de l'Arche.
Through fun and educational games, they discover the job of animal keeper and learn more about the animal world. Price: €3
Guided tour: Want to find out more about the animals you meet on your visit? At the Refuge reception desk, scan a QR code and enjoy a free guided tour directly on your phone. Anecdotes, behaviour, explanations about the species... The animal keepers and the hostess will accompany you throughout your visit, in audio or read. It's a new, even more immersive and rewarding way to discover the Refuge de l'Arche!

FAMILY / CHILDREN :
> Activities on the tour route
> Carnet soigneur
> Educational workshops