See wild animals from all parts of Africa at Bioparc Valencia. This 10-hectare (25-acre) zoo separates its exhibits into Savannah, Madagascar and Equatorial Africa, all connected by tunnels and pathways. Stand at viewing points that look into realistic re-creations of the animals’ natural habitats.
The Savannah section features animals inhabiting Africa’s acacia forests and grasslands and is the zoo’s largest area. Spot zebras, giraffes, rhinos and storks as they graze across the wilderness. Walk through an aardvark burrow and look out for lions that watch over the enclosure from higher ground.
See the wildlife of Equatorial Africa and visit the Kitum Cave, a copy of a mountainside cave found in Kenya. Further on, the tropical forest provides a home for two gorilla families and many other primates. Spot the buffaloes and bush pigs grazing nearby. See hippopotamuses and crocodiles, which live side by side in the wetland area along with waterfowl and frogs.
Learn about the lemur in the Madagascar area. Look out for the seven species of this agile mammal, including some of the few remaining grey bamboo lemurs in the world. The Interpretation Center recounts the extinction of many species on the island of Madagascar during the 17th century. There are re-creations of the 3-metre (10-foot) elephant bird and koala lemur that died out long ago.
Join the educational fun at the Cycle of Life presentation. Watch the hunting tactics of an osprey or see the confrontations between jackals and vultures. The show’s wild energy is amplified by its setting: an open-air amphitheatre surrounded by acacia and bamboo trees.
Combine a visit to Bioparc Valencia with a walk through the adjacent Turía Gardens, which lie to the west of the park. The zoo is 10 minutes by car or 40 minutes on foot from the city centre. Public buses can get you to the zoo’s entrance and paid parking is available on-site.
Bioparc Valencia Zoo is open year-round, though opening hours may vary according to season. Timetables can be found on the zoo’s official website. There’s a fee for entry.
