Ivoloina Parc Zoologique ***

Parc Ivoloina is a 282 ha forestry station that also includes a small zoo of about 4 ha. It is located 12 km north of Toamasina (= Tamatave) and is operated by the Madagascar Fauna Group (MFG), a consortium of North American and European zoos, under a long-term agreement with the Malagasy government. The zoo was reopened to the public by the MFG in 1990 after a cyclone had destroyed it four years earlier. It receives about 14,000 visitors annually, 70% of which are Malagasy. Parc Ivoloina currently houses more than 100 lemurs of 10 different species, several of which are breeding. Species of note include greater bamboo lemur (Prolemur simus), blue-eyed black lemur (Eulemur flavifrons), and variegated black-and-white ruffed lemur (Varecia variegata variegata). The park also has aye-ayes (Daubentonia madagascariensis), and nocturnal visits can be arranged to see them when they are active. Five lemur species can also be seen in the forest surrounding the park, some of them, such as crowned lemur (Eulemur coronatus) having been introduced. The zoo has several bird, reptile, and amphibian species as well. MFG staff teach sustainable agriculture to visitors in their model station, and there is a conservation education center for school groups. The park is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and entry for non-nationals is 10,000 ariary, or about US$5.00 (4,000 ariary for children aged 5–12). Guided tours can be arranged for 10,000 ariary. Meals can be arranged for groups, and there is a small souvenir shop that sells postcards and t-shirts. The park also has a conference room that seats 100 people, as well as a laboratory and a dormitory. Camping is possible near the lake for 4,000 ariary per night, but you need to bring your own tent. The postal address of Parc Ivoloina is Madagascar Fauna Group, BP 442 Toamasina 501 (phone office +261 (0)53 308 42, Parc Ivoloina Zoo +261 (0)53 931 68, Training Centre +261 (0)53 985 61).