Until now, you had to drive all the way to Laroque or Villeveyrac to drop off an injured bird or a too-curious squirrel. And let's be honest, not everyone is willing to make a 45-minute drive for a struggling pigeon... But that's all in the past: starting in 2026, a brand-new center will open right next to the Montpellier zoo, by the Montmaur woods.
A real clinic for local animals
The goal? To welcome local wildlife (eagles, hedgehogs, foxes, squirrels…) to treat them before releasing them back into their natural habitat. The center will have operating rooms and rehabilitation enclosures (for example, to help them learn to fly again), and will eventually be able to accommodate up to 5,000 residents.
Supported by an association and backed by the town hall, the project plans to have 7 to 8 employees, assisted by volunteers. It's a wonderful example of local commitment to protecting wildlife and lending a helping hand to animals that cross our paths a bit too often.