Zoo sauvage de Saint-Félicien

Fascinating animals adapted to the northern climate

No tour of the Lac-Saint-Jean region is complete without a stop at the famous Saint-Félicien Wildlife Zoo. One of a kind, the zoo features animals born in northern climates from all over the world. All of Canada’s biodiversity zones are represented, and more than 500 animals of 86 different species have made their home there—much to the delight of visitors.

For the Saint-Félicien Wildlife Zoo, it is important to recreate the animals’ natural environments to provide the residents with habitats that are as close to reality as possible. The spaces are large and stimulating for the animals, who are treated with the utmost care.

A Four-Legged Favorite

There’s no point in pretending—it’s impossible to resist the beauty of the animals at the zoo. To give you a quick overview, here are the must-sees you definitely won’t want to miss:

Gélada

The gelada is a large primate native to the highlands of Ethiopia. In Canada, the Saint-Félicien Wildlife Zoo is the only place where you can observe this fascinating species. Geladas’ facial expressions often make visitors laugh. To express their feelings, geladas tend to turn their jaws upward, creating a huge, rather goofy smile. Now very rare, the gelada is a magnificent species that you absolutely must see.

Japanese macaque

A member of the primate family, the Japanese macaque is one of the most northerly-dwelling monkeys. Thanks to its thick fur, the animal can easily adapt to sub-zero temperatures. Highly active, the three young Japanese macaques at the Saint-Félicien Wildlife Park will charm you with their acrobatics and energy. Often overlooked by visitors, they are nonetheless very endearing and certainly entertaining.

Tiger of Love

The love tiger is native to the Far East. Now on the brink of extinction, this animal is famous for its incredible fur. Still a sight to behold, with its imposing gait and striped coat, it’s a must-see on your next visit. Interestingly, a tiger’s stripes are like DNA and are therefore unique to each individual animal. Visitors are encouraged to observe the differences that make each tiger special.

Polar bear

A favorite among many visitors, the polar bear is always a must-see during a visit to the Saint-Félicien Wildlife Zoo. Their white fur, adapted to the Arctic cold, is sure to impress visitors, as are their massive paws, perfect for catching fish. You can watch the bears swim in their large pool or take a nap on the bank. The zoo is also committed to raising visitors’ awareness of global warming, which particularly affects this species.

Observing animals in their natural habitat

Si vous souhaitez contempler les animaux d’une façon différente, de multiples organismes offrent des expéditions sur le territoire du Lac-Saint-Jean, afin d’observer les animaux de la région dans leur habitat naturel.

With Aventure Raid, you can observe wolves living in semi-freedom. You’ll learn more about their way of life and how the pack functions.

Aventure Lac-Saint-Jean offers an expedition into the heart of nature to observe black bears and beavers. Accompanied by a professional guide, you’ll find yourself right in the animals’ territory, ensuring an authentic experience with the region’s finest specimens.

Parc de la Pointe-Taillon is another prime spot for observing local wildlife, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot some moose there.

Finally, if you’re a wildlife photographer, Québec Photogravie offers a photo safari by Zodiac boat on the magnificent Ouiatchouaniche River. You can also stay in a spacious observation tower in the heart of the boreal forest. The tower is equipped with everything you need to take high-quality photos.

The wildlife of Lac-Saint-Jean is a must-see and is sure to amaze you with its diversity.