Tourists passing through Valencia shouldn’t miss a visit to the Bioparc! Opened in 2008, the Bioparc de Valencia is certainly not your average zoo… Nestled in the former bed of the Turia River, this haven of peace spans 100,000 square meters and recreates a piece of African savannah right in the heart of Spain. With 3,000 residents from the four corners of Africa, the animals live the good life here, far from traditional cages and pens. This temple to animal welfare doesn’t just house its guests in optimal conditions, it also plays a key role in the protection of endangered species. In fact, the park has made a name for itself with the birth of 500 babies, including Ebo, the first baby gorilla who poked his snout out in 2012. So, are you ready for an exotic trip without leaving Europe? Head for Valencia, for a day in the heart of the savannah!
Bioparc Valencia: a new-generation zoo where nature comes to life
At Bioparc Valencia, forget the zoos of yesteryear and plunge into a new era with zooimmersion, a novel concept whose cornerstone is the so-called “multispecies” enclosures, which offer unprecedented depth of vision. The result: you can admire various spaces from a single vantage point, as if you were immersed in the wilderness. With no visible barriers, the experience of close proximity to the animals is nothing short of bluffing, as you get the impression of walking safely through the animals’ natural habitat.
Wandering through the Valencia Biopark is like entering the animals’ home, where the safety of both visitors and residents is guaranteed. Here, no photo or video can do justice to the visit, which has a clear objective: emote through beauty to raise awareness of its preservation. In short, Bioparc Valencia aims to bring about a change in behavior, to encourage people to live in harmony with the planet. To achieve this, the park recreates faraway places populated by endangered animal species, integrating them into Valencia’s urban fabric. The stated aim: to bring these beauties closer to reality so that they can be known, loved and protected. Indeed, the park’s motto is “move to preserve”, and it translates into a real journey that enables us to contemplate nature and its wild inhabitants in an ever-changing environment.
As you can imagine, respect for these spaces and their inhabitants is paramount. This is why it is forbidden to interact directly with the animals, to throw food at them or to pester them with any inappropriate behavior.
Wild diving in the heart of Africa… from Spain!
Congo gorillas, Madagascar lemurs, savannah lions and Nile hippos… at Bioparc Valencia, nearly a thousand animals representing 150 African species evolve in habitats designed for their optimal well-being. As we said, you won’t find any visible barriers here: everything is done to make visitors feel transported to the African continent, while at the same time becoming aware of the importance of protecting these natural ecosystems.
Located in the Cabecera Park, it is divided into four main areas. In the dry savannah, you’ll come across rhinoceroses, zebras, ostriches and hyenas, while the wetlands are home to giraffes, antelopes, gazelles, meerkats and lions. The forest of baobabs, reproduced to perfection, hosts a dozen elephants, one of the largest groups in Spain.
A detour to the island of Madagascar is a must, where lemurs don’t hesitate to come down from the branches to greet visitors up close. The famous Kitum cave hosts hippos and crocodiles. As for the equatorial forests, they are populated by pythons, otters, leopards and, of course, the majestic gorillas, one of the park’s star attractions. Bioparc Valencia’s numerous rivers, meanwhile, are teeming with fish.
The park also features an amphitheater seating 1,000, with bird and marine mammal shows. On the relaxation side, a family zone with an indoor restaurant and outdoor terrace offering stunning views of the African savannah awaits visitors. Opened in 2008, BIOPARC has ambitious expansion plans to include Asian and American habitats in the coming years.
The park is open 365 days a year, from 10am to 6pm, with extended hours until 8pm or 9pm from April to September. Ticket offices close half an hour before closing time, but tickets can be purchased online or by phone. Tickets are 23.80 euros for adults and 18 euros for children under 12.
Bioparc Valencia: an immersive visit not to be missed
Ask for between 1h30 and 2 hours to explore Bioparc Valencia, but be warned, there are a few rules to follow. There’s no question of entering with food; bags are searched on entry to make sure you’re not carrying anything that might disturb the animals. Once past this checkpoint, you’re free to choose: follow the marked path or wander around this incredible space at your own pace.
The park offers a range of activities throughout the day. To make sure you don’t miss a thing, it’s best to consult the events calendar before you set off. Among the highlights, you can attend fascinating meetings with the caretakers, who will share their knowledge of the behaviors and peculiarities of the species, while raising awareness of their conservation. Another attraction: watching the animals in full mealtime, an even more intense experience if you’re lucky enough to feed the lemurs yourself.
And if you’re the curious type, don’t miss the “Mystery of the Animal World”. In the park’s amphitheater, you’ll have the chance to get up close to real biological treasures such as primate skulls, elephant teeth and ostrich eggs. An intriguing dive into the secrets of the animal kingdom, sure to delight young and old alike. In short, a visit that’s sure to captivate you from start to finish.
Website: https://bioparcvalencia.es/fr/