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Zoo, Barcelona, By Josep Panadero –

Top 10 Fascinating Facts about Barcelona Zoo

When you visit  Barcelona you cannot skip visiting this popular Zoo packed with a variety of fun activities and adventures for the whole family. The zoo was established in 1892  and is situated in the green heart of the historical Centre of Barcelona which is the Parc De La Ciutadella. The zoo is therefore the home of numerous rare species of animals.

Here are some of the top 10 fascinating facts about Barcelona zoo;

1. Zoo used to be internationally known as the home of Snowflake

Snowflake was the world’s only known albino gorilla to date. He was a western lowland gorilla. He was kept at Barcelona Zoo in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain, from 1966 until he died in 2003. He was captured in the Río Muni region in Spanish Guinea on 1 October 1966 by ethnic Fang farmer Benito Mañé. Mañé had killed the rest of Snowflake’s gorilla group.

2. The zoo’s attraction

Image general del Gran Tanc, part del complex Aquarama Barcelona del Zoo de Barcelona. By Víctor Gordillo Galea –

The zoo’s attractions include a primate house, a terrarium, and a “Land of Dragons” including  Komodo dragons. This space has five exotic species of native animals from the Asia Pacific region. The natural habitat of these animals recreated using modern techniques makes these animals feel at home and gives an immersive experience to the visitors, and an “Aquarama” for dolphin shows. 

3. A man was rescued after lions mauled him at the zoo

 According to the Officials in Spain 0n 8 December 2014, a 45-year-old man was rescued from the lions’ enclosure at Barcelona Zoo after he was seriously mauled by three lions. The statement from the city’s government says that the witnesses had seen the man jump into the lion enclosure. He was bitten and scratched, but was rescued and eventually recovered from the injuries.

4. It is the only zoo where large felines are known to have contracted the coronavirus

In December 2020, four lions at Barcelona zoo tested positive for the covid-19. The veterinary authorities said that it is only the second known case in which large felines contracted coronavirus.

Keepers carried out PCR tests on the lions in the same way as humans are tested as the animals are accustomed to contact with the zoo staff. The lions were given veterinary care for their mild clinical condition similar to a very mild flu condition through anti-inflammatory treatment and close monitoring, and the animals responded well.

5.The zoo area is part of the Parc de la Ciutadella

The Parc de la Ciutadella  is a park on the northeastern edge of Ciutat Vella, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. For decades since its creation in the mid-19th century, the park was the city’s only green space. The 70-acre  grounds include the city zoo which was once home to the albino gorilla Snowflake, who died in 2003. The zoo was inaugurated in 1892 during the period of Merce, the patron saint of the city.  

6. The zoo contains about 4000 animals of 400 species

Snowflake – Barcelona White Gorilla, By Ettore Balocchi-

 The Barcelona zoo contains about 4,000 animals of 400 species,  among them, are the descendent of tropical birds, reptiles, snowflakes, dolphins, and cats. You will find that at the Zoo each animal has its set place and conditioning to feel at home. These are some of the interesting natural amenities that you can enjoy when you visit the zoo.

There is also ESLA farm which is known as the children’s Zoo. It is one of the most exquisite facilities where the farm is home to live goats, pigs, sheep, horses, donkeys, ponies, etc. 

7. The zoo also facilitates  a wide variety of family days out

The Zoo is an amazing place to visit with children and families since it offers many activities for children. They get the opportunity to both to have fun and learn new things at the Barcelona Zoo. Birthday parties where the dolphins will wish you a happy birthday can be arranged,  Adventure Saturdays where children will be educated about the animals and their history in a fun way are also optional, and Adventure Sundays where the entire family can join are very popular as well.

8. It has a research and conservation program

viquimarató zoo de Barcelona 2016,By Kippelboy –

The main mission of the Barcelona zoo is to actively intervene in the conservation, scientific research, and dissemination of wild fauna and their natural habitats. It is a task associated with most modern zoos, according to current legal regulations. It is a network work that is carried out together with other zoos, scientific institutions, and other university centers. 

The zoo participates in 97 programs of the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums, EAZA, for ex-situ management of threatened species, which is carried out outside the natural habitat of the target species and 35% of the species it hosts are listed as vulnerable, endangered, critically endangered or extinct in the wild.

9. It was opened on the day of the Merce

The zoo was inaugurated on the day of Mercè, a patron saint of Barcelona, ​​in 1892. La Mercè Festival is the biggest festival of the year in Barcelona. It signifies the end of the summer, the party goes on for five whole days; starting on the 20th of September and ending on the 24th, which is the actual day of feasting and a public holiday. The festival has been celebrated since 1687 when the patron saint Mare de Déu de la Mercè freed Barcelona from a plague of locusts. 

10. The zoo is also a refuge for some urban animal

Elephant at Barcelona Zoo – the year 2006, By Jordiferrer –

Barcelona zoo is also considered to be a refuge home for some of the urban animals because it is a place where the animals can find a green space, fresh water, salt water, and also food. Many animals live in the zoo, some of which are uncommon in Catalonia or are close to extinction. Some have come from outside accidentally into the grass that is given to eat by the herbivores.