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The Menagerie at the Jardin des Plantes

By Courtney Traub, About.com

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Curious Ostrich at the Jardin des Plantes

A curious ostrich peeps through the fence at the Jardin des Plantes in Paris.

A curious ostrich peeps through the fence at the Jardin des Plantes in Paris.

©2008 Ashley Byock.
A curious ostrich peers out through its cage at the Menagerie (zoo) at Paris botanical garden Jardin des Plantes. The Menagerie, which was founded as a public zoo after the French Revolution of 1789, transferring some of the animals from the private collection of oddball and ill-fated queen Marie Antoinette, hosts dozens of species of rare animals, in a format that is decidedly out of date. The zoo still has its charm, somehow, though, and can provide a welcome outing for parents looking for kid-friendly activities in Paris.

More Information: Visit the official website

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