This carousel in Paris takes you on a ride on extinct species

Forget traditional wooden horses. In Paris, a carousel unlike any other intrigues young and old alike. Located in the heart of the Jardin des Plantes, the Dodo Manège offers a literally timeless experience. Here, you don’t ride decorated ponies, but extinct species.

An educational and poetic journey into the past

Since its installation in 1992, this atypical carousel has fascinated visitors with its originality. We ride a woolly mammoth, a saber-toothed tiger, a horned turtle and, of course, the famous dodo, the bird emblematic of extinction. A playful way to open the discussion on evolution, biodiversity and the fragility of the living world.

Located just a few steps from the Museum of Natural History’s Galerie de l’Évolution, the ride acts as a natural extension of the museum. It makes children (and curious adults) aware of the disappearance of species, while offering them a moment of play and contemplation.

When pedagogy hides behind a carousel

Unlike noisy, ultra-technological attractions, the Dodo Manège cultivates a poetic, engaging atmosphere. A nearby educational panel explains the history of the species represented. Some have been extinct for thousands of years, while others, such as the panda and the gorilla, are under serious threat.

It’s a gentle but effective way of talking aboutecology, respect for animals and our relationship with living things. In this respect, the carousel is much more than mere entertainment: it’s a tool for transmission, and perhaps even an ecological wake-up call for the very young.

Practical info

📍 Location: 57 rue Cuvier, 75005 Paris
💸 Price: €2 per tour
🕒 Opening hours: according to Jardin des Plantes opening hours, usually in the afternoon.

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