The Jardin des Plantes in Paris, originally a royal garden for medicinal plants, underwent a transformation into a natural history museum and a public zoo, marking a significant evolution in how society engaged with nature and wildlife. Spearheaded by the Comte de Buffon, the Jardin des Plantes opened on October 6, 1793, as a means to promote scientific inquiry and understanding of the natural world. Buffon, a prominent naturalist, envisioned the garden as a place where both scholars and the public could explore a variety of flora and fauna and learn about their ecological connections.

At the time, France was undergoing substantial political changes due to the Revolution, and the opening of the zoo represented a shift toward making scientific knowledge accessible to the general populace. The expansion of the Jardin des Plantes to include animals allowed citizens of Paris to observe exotic species and domestic animals, creating a space where curiosity and education could flourish. Within a year of its inauguration, the Jardin des Plantes established itself as the first public zoo, further bridging the gap between the elite scientific community and the growing interest of the public in natural history.

The inclusion of live animals enhanced the breadth of the museum's educational offerings. It was an enlightenment-era initiative that catered not only to intellectual pursuits but also provided an avenue for enjoyment and leisure. The animals were sourced from around the world, and their presence captivated visitors. It set a precedent for future zoos where conservation, education, and recreation would blend, fostering respect for wildlife and an understanding of biodiversity. This dual function of a museum and zoo laid the framework for similar institutions worldwide, illustrating a shift in how societies value and understand their natural environment.