Parc Zoològic de Barcelona - Barcelona Zoo

About Barcelona Zoo

The Barcelona Zoo, Parc Zoològic de Barcelona, opened in September of 1892 on the main Barcelona festival, La Mercè, celebrated on the city's patron saint day, Mare de Déu de la Mercè.

Barcelona Zoo History

Located in the Parc de la Ciutadella because of the availability of buildings which were left empty after the 1888 Universal Exhibition a zoo was inaugurated.

The first animals were donated by Lluís Martí-Codolar i Gelabert to the municipality of Barcelona. Nowadays, with one of the most substantial collections of animals in Europe, the zoo affirms that their aim is to conserve, investigate, and educate. From 1966 to 2003 the zoo was home to the famous albino gorilla snowflake, who attracted many international tourists and locals.

Barcelona zoo is still known for its primates, including Borneo Orangutans, different species of Marmosets, Meerkats, and Baboons. The zoo has a Dolphinarium with Bottlenose dolphins. Other animals here are the Iberian wolf, the Angola lion, and the Dorcas gazelle and Iberian ibex. This zoo also has a large collection of birds and reptiles.

In addition to exotic animals, the Parc Zoològic de Barcelona is also home to native fauna and animals including birds of prey. The Doñana bird centre breeds local water fowl to then release them in reservations in Catalonia and other parts of Spain, such as the Parque Nacional y Natural de Doñana in Andalucía.

Image Gallery for Barcelona Zoo

Click on any of the 13 images to open full screen gallery player

Visiting Barcelona Zoo

In front of the Entrance to the Zoo is the General Juan Prim on horseback statue (12 December 1814 to 30 December 1870) who was a Spanish general and statesman who was briefly Prime Minister of Spain until his assassination. He was also responsible for the demolition of the old citadel fortress which is now Parc Ciutadella.

Barcelona Zoo Opening Hours

The zoo opens at 10:00h every day and closes approximately when it gets dark. See example times below.

March 28th to April 30th: 10:00h to 18:00h
May 1st to September: 10:00h to 19:00h
October 1st to October 23rd: 10:00h to 18:00h
October 24th to March 27th: 10:00h to 17:30h

Consult the Barcelona zoo website opening hours section for the day you would like to visit.

What to take with you for Barcelona Zoo

Barcelona zoo is inside the grounds of Parc Cuitadella with step free access and paved paths so is OK for wheelchairs and pushchairs.

There is a free wheelchair service for people who do not normally need it but can make it easier for them to visit the Zoo.

The zoo has lockers for Motorcycle helmets and small bags.

Nearest Bicycle anchorage is in front of the entrance to the zoo.

Barcelona Zoo Tickets

Barcelona Zoo, located within Parc de la Ciutadella contains a wide diversity of animals and is a centre dedicated to animal conservation and welfare with many educational activities on offer. The famous Zoo de Barcelona focuses on 3 core themes: spreading information, research, and the protection of animals in danger of extinction. The zoo is home to more than 4,000 animals from over 400 species including the descendants of the albino gorilla Snowflake, dolphins, tropical birds, and reptiles.

Getting to Barcelona Zoo

Address: Parc De la Cuitadella S/N, Barcelona. 8003

Nearest TMB Metro is Arc de Triomf on the red (L1) line and on the Renfe RODALIES train network. Use a T-Casual or Hola-Barcelona travel card.

Also Estacio de França on the Renfe RODALIES and REGIONAL is nearby

Barcelona Zoo also has an entrance and parking in Carrer de Wellington which is nearest to Metro Ciutadella | Vila Olímpica on the Yellow (L4) line.

Saba Bamsa pay parking can be found below Passeig de Lluís Companys.

Public Transport Guide