From a cormorant on the Mayenne to an animal sanctuary
In 1968, four boys brought Christian Huchedé a distressed cormorant found on the Mayenne river. That encounter led to Club Chouette, which became CEPAN in 1972. The sanctuary’s history dates its foundation stone to 5 March 1974. It went on to receive seized or abandoned exotic wild animals from circuses, laboratories, private ownership and trafficking.
A protected home for animals who cannot be released
Refuge de l'Arche offers long-term sanctuary because its rescued residents cannot return to the wild. Their histories and dependence on people shape that mission. CEPAN distinguishes the sanctuary, which welcomes visitors, from the neighbouring rescue centre created to rehabilitate local wildlife for release.
Local wildlife: an intake suspension to be aware of
As of 22 September 2026, the Valentine & Jacques Perrin centre’s page still announces suspended admissions since 5 December 2023, with no reopening date. This concerns the wildlife centre, not sanctuary visits. For a wild animal in difficulty, the website directs people to CVFSE on 02 40 68 77 76 for referral to a rescue facility or network veterinarian.
Learn about the residents’ lives during a visit
Educational activities included with admission feature themed talks lasting around ten minutes. The day’s programme is displayed at reception. A new 2026 “Apprenti soigneur” activity booklet is designed for children aged six to ten. Visitors must not feed the animals, and domestic animals are not admitted to the park.
A supported route back to employment since 1994
The work-integration programme provides employment activity for people facing barriers to work. Individual support also addresses practical obstacles such as transport and housing. Work on the site and contact with visitors help participants develop skills they can use in other occupations.
Support the team without providing animal care
Volunteering is for adults. Tasks involve events, the shop, catering or projects requested by the technical team, such as renovating enclosures and making enrichment items. For safety and organisational reasons, volunteers do not take part in caring for the animals.
Plan a visit to Château-Gontier
The sanctuary is at 13 quater rue Félix Marchand, Château-Gontier-sur-Mayenne. Call 02 43 07 24 38 for bookings. The practical information covers access and wheelchair loans; picnics are restricted to the outside picnic area. Find this sanctuary on the AnimalProtech map.
Frequently asked questions
- Does AnimalProtech verify Refuge de l'Arche?
- AnimalProtech organizes public information and helps review community corrections, but each donation, adoption, or contact should be verified directly through the animal rescuer's or organization's official channels.
- How can I contact Refuge de l'Arche?
- Use the public channels saved on this page and confirm that the opened profile matches Refuge de l'Arche, the location Château-Gontier - Pays-de-la-Loire - France, and the displayed identifiers.
- Is it safe to donate or adopt using only this page?
- No. Use this page as a starting point, then confirm identity, need, accountability, and public history before donating, sending documents, or adopting.
- How can I correct incomplete or outdated information?
- Use the contribution form at the end of the page and send verifiable public links. Do not send personal documents, private addresses, or sensitive third-party data.