Visit wild African animals in re-created habitats at Bioparc Valencia, a sprawling 10-hectare (25-acre) zoo. The zoo is split into three parts. Explore the paths and tunnels that connect Savannah, Equatorial Africa and Madagascar. Stop at different viewing points to see the animals up close, separated from visitors by rivers, ponds and glass.
Explore the leafy acacia forest and grassland of the Savannah, the zoo’s largest section. Spy zebras, giraffes and antelopes and look for rhinos and storks in the grassy areas. Lions survey the savannah from rocky viewpoints. Peek into an aardvark burrow to find out about this underground mole rat species.
Move on to Equatorial Africa to see Kitum Cave, a replica of a Kenyan mountainside cave. Nearby, elephants graze in a herd. Find a diverse selection of species co-existing in the tropical forest. See two gorillas and other primate species rule the treetops while bush pigs and buffaloes wander about the forest floor. Visit the wetlands ecosystem to see hippopotamuses and crocodiles sharing the water with amphibians and water birds.
There are animals on the island of Madagascar that aren’t found anywhere else in the world and the zoo’s African island-themed exhibit has its own share of endangered species, including the grey bamboo lemur. Learn about Madagascar at the Interpretation Centre. Find out about the rapid extinction of species during the 17th century and what the now-extinct 3-metre (10-foot) elephant bird would have looked like.
Visit the Bioparc’s open-air amphitheatre to see animal presentations. The theatre is surrounded by acacia and baobab trees. See how an osprey catches fish with its sharp talons and how jackals and vultures interact in bird and mammal shows.
Bioparc Valencia is located in Cabecera Park, on the Turía Gardens’ eastern side. The zoo is a 10-minute drive or a 40-minute walk from central Valencia. Pay to park on-site. Bus stations are located near the zoo’s entrance.
Visit Bioparc Valencia any day of the week. Check the zoo’s opening hours on the official website before planning your trip as times vary seasonally. There’s a fee to enter.
