Bring local animals to life

Posted on 15 July 2021

Did you know that on the place Napoléon in La Roche-sur-Yon, astonishing animals have taken up residence? They come from the imagination of François Delarozière, artistic director of the company Machine. Come and discover this fabulous mechanical zoo that will amaze you!

Take control of the mechanical bestiary located on Place Napoléon! With gentleness and patience, bring the mechanical zoo to life. You will thus find explanatory plaques which indicate the movements that the animal can perform. Operate a lever, wait a few moments, and observe the movement imparted by the hydraulic and pneumatic energy.

The team of reception agents and veterinarians is there to explain and answer all your questions!

If you still have reservations, know that access to Local Animals is totally free ! So simply activate the levers, levers, and buttons on the control panels and enjoy this mechanical bestiary unique in France!

Presentation of local animals

The sacred ibis

It is on the site of the current tourist office that this imposing wading bird of a height of 2,40m! Covered with stainless steel on 80% of the body, it opens its beak, raises and lowers its head and its legs, and spreads its large wings. The scope of these reaches 6m!

The hippopotamus

It was on a winter morning in 2013, in the Forges district, that this herbivorous giant who spends his days in the water was discovered. It is built from three different materials. Get him out of the water, open his mouth and… spit on passers-by!

Nile perch

This very large, voracious fish, living in the fresh waters of Africa can weigh up to 140 kg and measure up to 2m. Discovered at the same time as the crocodile, the pole at Place Napoléon has three shades of enamel: black, cream and oriental red. This allows it to blend in with the Koi carp.

The crocodile

This gigantic animal with a length of 8,70m, impresses when he opens his mouth wide. Indeed, its 40 teeth have something to give chills! It is the show "the first blow of the excavator", in September 2012, which highlights it. The crocodile advances to the shore, moves its tail as well as its head and opens its mouth.

The frogs and the toad

Scientists from the Egyptian countryside observed frogs and toads on the banks of the Nile and natural areas in the Vendée for long hours. They then noticed that, despite the geographical distance, these animals adopted a similar behavior. Found on the Place de la Liberté in July 2013, the frogs and the toad of the Place Napoléon jump, spit and move their heads.

Eagle owl

The only bird of the bestiary designed for nocturnal explorations, he is the last to have joined the zoo. He is holding on to a metal branch. This seems to be the original base built by Napoleonic scientists. The eagle owl spreads its wings revealing between 740 and 800 feathers.

The dromedary

Discovered in March 2013 in the Bourg-sous-la-Roche district, it is the largest animal in the bestiary of Place Napoléon. It measures indeed 3.30m high total. Its particular sign is to have a water reserve in its hump. It is also possible to make water gush out of it.

The otter

It is one of the only animals from the local fauna of La Roche-sur-Yon. Back from the Egyptian campaign, it would indeed have been used to observe the Yonnais environment. It is also the smallest animal in the zoo. It can stand up on its two legs, dive, swim and reappear on the surface. His playful demeanor is a hallmark of his species.

Flamingos

With their long legs, their bodies of wood tinged with pink, flamingos are among the most elegant animals of the bestiary. Inseparable, it is also the only couple in the mechanical zoo ! They stoop and bow as visitors approach.