Le Monde Sauvage d’Aywaille is ready for a new adventure
3 min
Modernising the park, raising public awareness, extending the safari, creating a virtual reality centre and opening 365 days a year: these are just some of Alexandre Dallemagne's plans. The new owner of the animal park chose to work with Joana Withofs' team at BNP Paribas Fortis, and in particular with Bernard Mothet, his relationship manager.
Even though it is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, Le Monde Sauvage d'Aywaille is entering a new era. Facing bankruptcy in 2023, the park was acquired last year by Sodaphi, an investment group specialising in the development and management of tourism and property infrastructures. The company is led by Alexandre Dallemagne, an animal-loving entrepreneur from Liège.
A childhood dream come true
"Running a wildlife park was a childhood dream," says Dallemagne."I met the park’s founder in 2017 during a housing development project that ultimately didn’t go ahead. A few years later, the opportunity to acquire the park came up, and I didn't hesitate. "
A park open all year round
The future site has been redesigned, and construction is about to begin. The work has been planned in several phases so that the park can remain open throughout.
“Previously, the park was only open for half the year. We want to be open 365 days a year," explains Dallemagne."The renovation of the hospitality facilities, the creation of an indoor playground, a virtual reality hub and dedicated B2B spaces are all top priorities."
Behind these plans lies a deeper ambition: to make Le Monde Sauvage a committed player in species conservation and animal welfare.
Authenticity meets innovation
Gone are the artificial settings. "We don't want to put the giraffes in a false African setting. Our ambition is to design architecture that blends into the landscape, respecting the contours of the land, the vegetation and the needs of the species", emphasises Dallemagne.
Alexandre Dallemagne is also a fan of soft mobility. "The main legacy of my predecessor is the safari. We want to double or even triple its size, pool more resources and rethink our internal park mobility. We’re even considering a new form of transport inspired by the glass bubble trains in the film Jurassic Park! "
Trusted partners
To put this complex and ambitious project into action, Alexandre Dallemagne was able to call on the expertise and invaluable advice of his relationship manager, Bernard Mothet. "Our partnership began in 2021 and has steadily grown stronger. I now manage the banking operations for all Sodaphi subsidiaries, a clear sign of the trust we’ve built," explains the banker.
“I have absolute confidence in Bernard, he’s extremely efficient and flexible,” adds Dallemagne. "He has a holistic understanding of our situation and anticipates our needs. He knows how to play his role as a facilitator by putting us in touch with other high-added value partners, both inside and outside the bank."
A fresh wind is blowing across the plains of Le Monde Sauvage. Are you ready to be carried away?
"Our ambition is to create architecture that blends into the landscape, respecting the contours of the land, the vegetation and the needs of the species."
Alexandre Dallemagne, Managing Director, Le Monde Sauvage
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