Barcelona Zoo

The Barcelona Zoo is a magnificent garden that is over a hundred years old. It spreads over some thirteen hectares on the grounds of Parc de la Ciutadella and contains a collection of animals made up of more than four hundred different species from around the world, with some seven thousand, five hundred specimens. The zoo applies internationally accepted strategies of conservation, and carries out research and educational activities that help its visitors better understand the animals it keeps, especially those in danger of extinction, helping them reproduce in captivity.

Some of the specimens to be seen in the Zoo include a wide range of primates, amongst whom, unfortunately, we can no longer see Floquet de Neu (Snowflake), who used to be the star of the Zoo. Among the primates we find orang-utans from Borneo, a group of titi monkeys and grey-cheeked mangabeys, whose reproduction in captivity is controlled. You can also see bottle-nose dolphins performing, who also reproduce continuously. Another much-loved animal to be seen, and also in danger of extinction, is the Iberian wolf -the Zoo is responsible for coordinating its reproduction in captivity for all of Europe. Among the felines, you can see Sumatra tigers, leopards from Sri Lanka, snow panthers and cheetahs, all of them very special animals.

The Zoo also has a group of grey herons, which live in total freedom and have become the most important breeding colony in all Catalonia, the Doñana bird centre, where the most important autochthonous species of fauna are able to breed in order to help restock Catalonia's parks, and an aviary with a representative collection of parrots from around the world and Nicobar and crowned pigeons, all endangered species under the guardianship of the zoo. The zoo also has a terrarium for amphibians and reptiles from all over the world, with over a hundred species and five hundred specimens, considered one of the best in Europe. The animals live in especially prepared areas with abundant vegetation, where you can find giant snakes, such as pythons, boas and anacondas, and different species of crocodiles, like Mississippi alligators, broad-snouted caimans, African dwarf crocodiles and Nile crocodiles.

There is also a children's zoo with many domestic and farm animals, such as Iberian pigs, Prat chickens and Catalan donkeys, a breed autochthonous to Catalonia that is in danger of extinction.

Suggestions

Chocolate, gastronomy and culture

Very close to the Zoo you come across the Chocolate Museum (Museu de la Xocolata), a true pleasure to visit, and the Born, a warren of charming narrow streets and a wonderful range of restaurants to enjoy.