Barcelona Zoo

From Paul Cannon

On the edge of the Parc de la Cuitadella is Barcelona's Zoo. It used to be famous for its albino gorilla. These days the gorilla is no longer there, but there's a lot of equally interesting wildlife to see, including native species such as the Iberian wolf or lynx, flamingoes from Cuba, Barbary apes from North Africa, giant turtles from the Galapagos Islands and Chinese alligators.

The Zoo is split up into four main animal groups; Mammals, Birds, Amphibians and Repiles. For many visitors the chief draw among the mammals are the big cats; Sumatran tigers, Sri Lankan leopards, black panthers and lions.

The Reptile section includes Kimodo dragons and nine species of caymans and crocdiles, not to mention alligators. Aviary highlights include cute Hunboldt penguins, colourful guacamais and sinister-looking black vultures. The amphibian section features some of the most colourful frogs and toads from around the world.

There's also an aquarium with dolphins, although these kind of marine attractions are getting increasingly bad press among animal rights groups.


Essential Info
Address: Carrer de Wellington, 08005, Barcelona
Telephone: 934810043
Timetable: 10am-5.30pm (October 31-March 27)
10am-7pm (March 28-May15)
10am-8pm (May 16-September 15)
10am-7pm (September 16-October 30)
Entry charge: It's 16.15€ for adults and 9.65€ for children under the age of 12.
How to Get There: The Zoo is best accessed from Ciutadella Vila Olímpica Metro stop, which is on the yellow line.
Getting to Barcelona: Barcelona is served by Barcelona El Prat Airport, and Renfe trains connect from all other major Spanish cities to Sants Estacio.