It seems that on Oleron Island, there are plenty of Myocastors and you can get very close, pet them and even feed them. But what are we talking about exactly? Half beaver, half marmot, a bit of an otter on the edges, it's the nutria. It has found refuge in Dolus d'Oléron to lead a small, orderly life. We'll take you to the Myocastors Park, 15 minutes from our camping in Oléron, to get to know this little-known yet very friendly animal.
The marsh beaver
Considered by some to be an invasive species, a troublemaker and a destroyer of riverbanks, the Myocastor has earned itself a rather unsavory reputation in the marshes. It's true that a nutria digging a 7-meter-long tunnel under the bank or wandering through a cornfield at night can cause some damage...
On the other hand, others literally fall for its cute face, its long whiskers and its endearing expressions. It must be said that this little ball of fur is not very fearful and not shy at all. The coypu is even rather easy to domesticate, as easy as its cousin the guinea pig!
One thing is certain, the nutria leaves no one indifferent, and in Dolus-d'Oléron, it doesn't bother anyone—quite the opposite, in fact. Head to the Myocastors Park, 10 km from the campsite!
A park where Myocastors are king!
The park tour begins with a photo exhibition to discover the nutria from new perspectives. Once your curiosity is piqued, the discovery continues with a short, informative guided tour of the park. You'll learn more about the nutria's habits and customs, from its outstanding swimming abilities (obviously, webbed feet help) to its curious way of grooming itself.
Now that the Myocastors have no more secrets for you, you're ready to feed them. The highlight of the visit. Their favorite treat? The carrots you'll hand them. And here they are, all huddled around you, standing on their little hind legs, making themselves bigger than their friend. And what's more, they're real gluttons!
After the carrot distribution, children can scratch the carrots, carry them in their arms, and hold them on their knees. Now's the perfect time to take a photo! The tour ends with a little unusual show that always makes an impression on visitors. It should take about an hour to explore, but if you suddenly become a fan of nutria during the tour, allow a little more time. Did you know?
Native to South America, the nutria was introduced to Europe in the 19th century for its inexpensive fur, cheaper than mink. One last thing, if you're ever offered a taste of "Marsh Hare Terrine with Cognac," behind this pretty name hides an unfortunate nutria prepared as a pâté...
More info:
- Open from mid-June to mid-September
- Price: €4.50/adult – €3.00/child aged 3 to 12
- Address: Pré de la Morinière, 17550 Dolus-d'Oléron
- Website: www.parc-myocastors.com