Nestled in the heart of the Liège Ardennes, a stone’s throw from Spa and Banneux, Le Monde Sauvage d’Aywaille offers a unique immersion into the animal world. Between safaris by car or mini train, walking trails through the enclosures, and animal shows, the park combines adventure, discovery, and education. Giraffes, elephants, big cats, bears, and parrots rub shoulders with interactive areas for children, making this site an unmissable destination for families looking to get away from it all.
Galerie photos
Raphaël Quinet from Liège, Belgium, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Description
The zoo is divided into a safari park where visitors can explore in their own cars or on board a train, encountering an impressive variety of African and Asian animals such as elephants, rhinos, giraffes, and zebras. Next, walking trails lead to various enclosures and meadows, home to South American animals such as rheas and tapirs, as well as various species such as primates, felines, and bears. A large aviary inaugurated in 2001 is home to a multitude of birds, while sea lion and bird of prey shows provide additional entertainment. The Jungle Dome offers parrot shows, and children can enjoy several playgrounds and interactive activities such as a petting zoo and a pirate ship. Finally, visitors can also enjoy a 3D cinema for an immersive experience.
Le Monde Sauvage is committed to conservation programs, being a permanent member of the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums and actively participating in the preservation of endangered species, such as the Arabian oryx.
History
Joseph Renson, a native of Ghent with roots in Liège, was a captain for Sabena Airlines with a passion for animal parks. In 1975, he decided to turn this passion into reality by founding his own zoo. Located near Spa, Banneux, and Coo, Aywaille seemed to be the ideal location, where he acquired 164 hectares of land. Despite the progress of the project, foreign investors withdrew due to fears of the oil crisis. Alongside his career, Renson gradually developed the estate, first welcoming rhinos and hippos, then in 1989, the first pair of African elephants.
In 1995, SPRL Monde Sauvage Safari de Deigné showed interest in operating the Remouchamps Caves in the same municipality. Despite debts to the municipality, the SPRL became the new manager of the park at the beginning of 1996.
Since its opening, the park has experienced three notable incidents, including two fatal accidents involving lions in 1982 and elephants in 1995, as well as an incident in which a snow leopard escaped in 2013.
