The wombats of Beauval Zoo

Wombat outside its burrow in Les Terres Rouges at ZooParc de Beauval

ZooParc de Beauval is the only zoo in France with wombats: Sandy and Mersey, two common wombats living in Les Terres Rouges. Shy and often hidden, they have to be earned. Here is how to see them.

Come and see Sandy and Mersey
Dated online ticket from €39 per adult and €32 per child.

See tickets →

Contents

🐾 What is a wombat?

The wombat is a stocky Australian marsupial that lives in burrows it digs itself. An adult can weigh up to 35 kg.

Its most famous feature: cube-shaped droppings.

Only at Beauval: Beauval is the only zoo in France to show the common wombat (Vombatus ursinus). It is the only species in Les Terres Rouges shown in France for the first time.

Where to see the wombats at Beauval

Sandy and Mersey live in Les Terres Rouges, the Australian territory opened on 4 April 2026, in the southern part of the park.

Their area has burrows and red sand that is ideal for digging. The koalas are in another territory: the Koala Greenhouse. Find both on the ZooParc map.

Wombat outside its burrow in Les Terres Rouges at ZooParc de Beauval

When are they active? ⏰

We saw it for ourselves during our visit in August 2026: the wombats spend a lot of time in their burrows. If you cannot see them, do not assume they are not there.

  • Come early in the morning, at 9am opening time
  • Or come back at the end of the day
  • Look carefully into the shelters: sometimes you only see part of one

Wombat half hidden in its shelter, Les Terres Rouges, ZooParc de Beauval

With two days, you get two more chances to see them move: see one day or two at the ZooParc?

5 wombat facts 🤓

  • Cube-shaped droppings: a shape unique in the animal world
  • An armoured bottom: its very tough rear end is used to block the entrance to its burrow when in danger
  • A backwards pouch: it opens towards the rear, so it does not fill with earth when digging
  • A long life: in zoos, a wombat can live up to 30 years
  • A great digger: in the wild, its burrows can be very long and branching

Two mornings to see the wombats
Stay next to the ZooParc and be there at opening time.

See holiday packages →

Practical summary 📋

Territory Les Terres Rouges (southern part of the park)
Individuals 2: Sandy and Mersey
Species Common wombat (Vombatus ursinus)
Best time Early morning or end of the day
Only in France The only French zoo with wombats

To plan your visit: all the ZooParc animals, suggested itinerary and our tips.