Barcelona Zoo (Zoo de Barcelona)
Wild nature in the heart of the bustling city
In the heart of the city of Barcelona, a city where over one and a half million people live, over 4,000 animals also live in a wild and magical paradise. The Barcelona Zoo is much more than a traditional zoological park, in fact it is a wild sanctuary that provides a rare glimpse into the natural world, with over 400 species of animals housed in carefully designed habitats designed to provide the most authentic experience - both for the zoo residents, the animals, and for visitors
From enormous African elephants to agile dolphins, the Barcelona Zoo promises its visitors a world of discoveries and unforgettable experiences for all ages. So let's discover the animal world of Barcelona:
Combine the visit with...
The history of the zoo:
The Barcelona Zoo is considered one of the oldest zoos in the world, and it was established as early as 1892, after the Barcelona World Fair in 1888. It was Lluís Martí-Codolar, a wealthy Spanish entrepreneur and animal lover, who donated his private collection of animals to the city of Barcelona, which formed the basis The first of the zoo established in the heart of the urban citadel park (Parc de la Ciutadella).
In the 60's and 70's of the last century, the Barcelona zoo became famous in the world because of the only albino gorilla in the world that lived there. The gorilla was named "Snowflake" (Copito de Nieve in Spanish), and he was the symbol of the zoo until his death in 2003.
In recent decades, the Barcelona Zoo has become a zoo exhibiting animals, an active focus of research, animal conservation and education to preserve the natural and animal world. The zoo takes an active part in various programs for the conservation of endangered species, and tours and seminars are held there with the aim of educating the younger generation to preserve the animal world.
The different areas in the Barcelona Zoo:
The Barcelona Zoo tries to give the animals that live there as authentic a living environment as possible, so the zoo is divided into different areas that reflect different habitats. Let's discover some of the must-see areas of the zoo:
Land of the Dragons- We chose to start the tour of the zoo in the area with the most explosive name - the land of dragons. Unfortunately, it is not a real dragon, but a lizard called the "Komodo dragon" or "giant power lizard", which is considered the largest species of lizard. In the land of dragons you will get to see unique species of reptiles from the Asia-Pacific region alongside unique animals such as the montiak - a type of small deer that lives in East Asia, or Nightly flying fox, a kind of special bat.
The terrarium area (Terrarium)- We will continue in the world of reptiles, and we will reach a terrarium habitat, which contains one of the largest collections of amphibians in Europe. In this area you can find lizards, poisonous frogs, iguanas, crocodiles and snakes like the scary python snake. In this area you can feel the high temperature and high humidity, which simulate the living conditions of those creatures.
Aviarium- The aquarium complex is a paradise for bird lovers. The area is home to a wide variety of birds brought to the zoo from all over the world. From flamingos and pelicans to colorful parrots and special eagles, in this complex you can get to know the fascinating world of birds up close. The area is home to more than 70 species of birds and it tries to trace the different ecosystems where the birds live in the wild.
The primates gallery (Primates)- The primate gallery houses a wide variety of monkeys, from lemurs to orangutans. The glass walls allow you to see up close how the monkeys climb, slide down a rope or eat fruit with pleasure.
Palmeral (Palmeral)- At the entrance to the zoo you will find the palmeral, a lush green space full of palm trees and ponds that is home to a variety of waterfowl.
The Bird Flying Dome - In the heart of the zoo you will find the flying bird dome, a closed elliptical space where you can watch spectacular bird species that come from wetlands.
Dolphinarium- without a doubt one of the highlights of the visit to the zoo. In the dolphinarium you can watch spectacular dolphin shows that attract visitors of all ages.
What more?
Besides these areas, the zoo is home to dozens of beloved living creatures such as kangaroos, zebras, bears, hippos, lions, tigers, seals, jaguars and more.
There are also many activities for children, such as the "seal tour", where tour participants get to get to know the fascinating creature up close while feeding them. In addition, you will find a host of other activities such as an entertaining and interesting lecture on the life of hippopotamuses or a workshop on ways to save sea turtles.
Another site that kids love at the zoo is The Zoo's Farm, where kids can interact with friendly animals like goats, sheep, and rabbits.
There you will also find cafeterias, restaurants, picnic benches and playgrounds for children.
important information:
Location: The Barcelona Zoo is located in the city center, in the Parc de la Ciutadella, a beautiful urban park that offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The zoo can be reached by accessible and convenient public transportation from all over the city. You can take a metro line to the Ciutadella Vila Olímpica metro station, which is a short distance from the zoo, or to the Barceloneta or Arc de Triomf metro stations, which are about a 10-minute walk from the zoo.
You can also take a tram line to the Ciutadella Vila Olímpica station.
שעות פתיחה: The opening hours of the zoo change from month to month and you should be updated on the official website of the zoo for the updated opening hours.
It is highly recommended to order tickets in advance, which will save you long lines at the entrance.
Tips for a successful visit to the Barcelona Zoo
A visit to the Barcelona Zoo is a wonderful experience, which will be even more wonderful if you come prepared. Here are some tips and advice for a perfect visit to the zoo:
Plan ahead: Before visiting the zoo, check the official website of the zoo for the updated opening hours, and you will be updated on special events that take place there, such as feeding times, interesting workshops, etc.. Try to get to the zoo in the middle of the week, then the place will be less crowded.
Book tickets in advance: The zoo is a popular attraction in the city, and it is busy almost every month of the year, especially during the tourist season. Order tickets in advance and thus guarantee a smooth and fast entrance to the zoo, without waiting in the long lines at the box office.
Dress accordingly: Most of Barcelona Zoo's enclosures are open enclosures, so you should prepare accordingly. If you are traveling on sunny days, it is recommended to have sunscreen and a hat, and if you are coming on cold days, arrive well dressed. Also, the zoo complex is huge and requires a lot of walking, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes.
Stock up on drinks and snacks: Although there are cafes and restaurants in the zoo, it is recommended to stock up on drinks and snacks, as the queues for the cafes and restaurants can be long during lunchtime during the summer, and the prices are relatively high.
Equip yourself with the zoo map: Download the zoo map or the zoo's app from the website, which will allow you to easily navigate between the different enclosures in the zoo. You can also get a physical map at the entrance.
Participate in animal feeding: One of the wonderful experiences of visiting the zoo is taking part in animal feeding - from feeding seals to watching lions being fed. Every day there are several feedings of different animals, just check the zoo's website for the feeding times for that day.
Allow enough time to visit: Barcelona Zoo is huge. It is recommended to spend at least two hours visiting it in order to see what it has to offer.
Combine the visit to the zoo with a visit to the nearby citadel park: The zoo is located within the Parc de la Ciutadella, a sprawling urban park that offers wide lawns, walking paths, cycling paths, a beautiful lake and magical corners. After visiting the zoo, discover the magic of the city park.
In conclusion, whether you are animal lovers, nature lovers, a family with children or curious travelers who want to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and visit a special and pleasant site, the Barcelona Zoo offers you a magical day out within its walls. The magical zoo is much more than a collection of animals, it is an authentic habitat designed to present the harmony between man and nature in its most natural and beautiful form. So what are you waiting for? Order tickets and go discover the wonderful animal world in Barcelona.
