Barcelona Zoo
Barcelona Zoo, located in the Parc de la Ciutadella in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain, is a zoological park historically recognized as the home of Snowflake, the world's only known albino gorilla. It houses significant collections of reptiles, amphibians, and birds, and features specialized exhibits like the Marmoset Gallery and the Sahel Savannah designed to replicate natural habitats.
Key Facts
- ›Located in Parc de la Ciutadella, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
- ›Once home to Snowflake, the only known albino gorilla.
- ›Features one of Europe's largest reptile and amphibian collections in its terrarium.
- ›The Sahel Savannah complex, built in 2018, recreates African habitats for animals like giraffes, lions, and elephants.
- ›The zoo's aviary, constructed in the 1970s, houses 70 species of birds.
Terrarium, Aviarium, Palmeral, Marmoset Gallery, Sahel Savannah
Snowflake, Yoyo
About Barcelona Zoo
Barcelona Zoo is a zoological park situated within the Parc de la Ciutadella in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. It gained international recognition for being the former home of Snowflake, the only known albino gorilla.
Notable Collections and Habitats
The zoo features a diverse range of specialized exhibits. Its terrarium, opened in 1972, houses one of Europe's most extensive collections of reptiles and amphibians. The aviary, constructed in the 1970s and renovated in 2002, is home to 70 species of birds from around the globe. Additionally, the Palmeral area displays various species of macaws and cockatoos in aviaries near the entrance. The Marmoset Gallery, built in 1990, provides both indoor and outdoor enclosures for seven species of marmosets and tamarins.
A significant recent development is the Sahel Savannah complex, constructed in 2018. This area is designed to recreate the natural habitats of the zoo's African animals, including giraffes, lions, and African elephants, with vegetation such as acacias, grasses, and euphorbias. The Sahel Savannah was notably the home of Yoyo, an African elephant who, at the time of her death in 2024, was estimated to be the oldest African elephant in captivity.
Incidents and Health
Barcelona Zoo has experienced notable incidents. On December 8, 2014, a man entered the lion enclosure, sustaining injuries from bites and scratches before being rescued and recovering. In a different event, on December 8, 2020, four lions at the zoo tested positive for COVID-19.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Barcelona Zoo famous for?
Barcelona Zoo was internationally known as the home of Snowflake, the only known albino gorilla. The zoo also boasts one of the largest reptile and amphibian collections in Europe and features specialized habitats like the Sahel Savannah.
What notable animal exhibits does Barcelona Zoo have?
The zoo has a terrarium with a large collection of reptiles and amphibians, an aviary housing 70 bird species, and the Marmoset Gallery for marmosets and tamarins. The Sahel Savannah complex is designed to mimic African habitats for giraffes, lions, and elephants.
When was the terrarium at Barcelona Zoo opened?
The terrarium at Barcelona Zoo was opened in 1972. It is recognized for holding one of the largest reptile and amphibian collections found in Europe.
What happened in the lion enclosure at Barcelona Zoo in 2014?
On December 8, 2014, a 45-year-old man entered the lion enclosure. He sustained bites and scratches but was rescued and subsequently recovered from his injuries.
Has Barcelona Zoo had any animal health incidents?
Yes, on December 8, 2020, four lions at the zoo tested positive for COVID-19.
Related Zoos
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Cabarceno Natural Park
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Loro Parque
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