New Bioparc Zoo in Valencia

If you have been to the end of the Turia lately you may have noticed the new 200,000m2 Zoo being built and some of the animals arriving. Some lucky people have already been through to have a sneak preview. The new zoo will recreate as closely as possible the natural habitats of the animals in terms of vegetation and ecosystems rather than the previous caged environment at the 42yr old Viveros Zoo, which closed in July.

The Bioparc will open in phases. With the first phase scheduled to open around Christmas time. The first phase to open will be the African Savannah Forrest then South East Asia followed by the Neotropics. In the African Savannah you’ll find giraffes, rhinos, herds of antelope and on the high plains, packs of lions. Smaller desert animals such as hyenas and wart hogs can also be seen. Then as you go into the equatorial forest you will see buffaloes, gorillas and leopards. My friend and her son really liked Cirilo the Rhino and the leopards.

There should be an announcement soon about the first public visits,
anticipated for the end of 2007.

How to get there
By bike or on foot: Ride/walk to the end of the Turia towards town to Cabecera Park near the lake with the paddle boats & you’ll see it
By car: Drive over the Nou d’Octubre bridge and park in the new car park or on Avenida Pio Baraja
By Bus: No’s 7,17,6,81,29 and 95

Address: Avenida Pio Barajo, 3, 46015 Valencia
Web: www.bioparcvalencia.es

Danelle Sofuku