Zoo Aquarium de Madrid
The Madrid Zoo Aquarium is a significant zoological and aquarium facility located in Madrid, Spain's Casa de Campo. Opened in 1972, it is one of the largest zoos in the country and is notable for housing giant pandas, a species it has a long history with, including the first panda born in captivity in Europe via artificial insemination. The zoo plays a role in international zoological communities as a member of EAZA and WAZA.
Key Facts
- ›Located in the Casa de Campo, Madrid, Spain.
- ›Opened in 1972.
- ›Covers an area of 20 hectares (49 acres).
- ›Home to over 6,000 animals representing approximately 500 species.
- ›Features a zoo, aquarium, petting zoo, dolphin exhibit, and aviary.
- ›One of the few zoos globally to house giant pandas.
Giant Pandas, Aquarium, Dolphinarium, Aviary, Petting Zoo
Giant Pandas, Bottlenose Dolphins, Western Lowland Gorillas, Chimpanzees, Mandrills, Orangutans, Lemurs, Koalas
About Zoo Aquarium de Madrid
Madrid Zoo Aquarium
The Madrid Zoo Aquarium is a significant zoological and aquarium facility situated within the expansive Casa de Campo park in Madrid, Spain. Established in its current form and location in 1972, it stands as one of the largest zoos in Spain and is recognized internationally for its animal collection and facilities. The zoo is managed by the international entertainment operator Parques Reunidos, though it is owned by the city of Madrid.
History and Facilities
The origins of a zoo in Madrid trace back to 1770 with the "Casa de Fieras" in Retiro Park. The modern Madrid Zoo Aquarium, however, was constructed and opened in 1972. Its grounds encompass 20 hectares (49 acres) and are designed to house a diverse array of animals. The facilities include not only the main zoo exhibits but also a dedicated aquarium with 2,000,000 liters of saltwater, a dolphinarium, an aviary, and a petting zoo. For visitor convenience and experience, the zoo also offers several restaurants, a boat tour, and a train tour.
Animal Collection
The Madrid Zoo Aquarium is home to a substantial collection, featuring over 6,000 individual animals representing approximately 500 different species. Among its most celebrated residents are the giant pandas, a species the zoo has a notable history with. In 1978, China gifted two pandas to Spain, and the zoo later achieved a significant milestone by having Chu-lin, the first panda born in captivity in Europe via artificial insemination, in 1982. Currently, the zoo houses pandas Bing Xing and Hua Zui Ba, who became parents to twin cubs Po and De De in 2010, also conceived through artificial insemination. The primate collection is extensive, including western lowland gorillas, chimpanzees, mandrills, orangutans, and various lemur species. The dolphinarium, established in 1987, is home to nine bottlenose dolphins. Additionally, the zoo maintains a small group of koalas, kept in a controlled environment and fed eucalyptus leaves imported from Huelva.
Affiliations
The Madrid Zoo Aquarium is an active participant in global zoological communities, holding memberships in the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA).
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Madrid Zoo Aquarium established?
The current facilities of the Madrid Zoo Aquarium were constructed and opened in 1972. This succeeded an earlier zoo in Madrid, the 'Casa de Fieras,' which was established in 1770.
How large is the Madrid Zoo Aquarium?
The zoo is situated on a 20-hectare (49-acre) site within Madrid's Casa de Campo. It is considered one of the largest zoos in Spain.
What are some of the notable animals at the Madrid Zoo Aquarium?
The zoo is particularly renowned for its giant pandas, having housed them since 1978. It also features a large collection of primates, including gorillas and orangutans, and a resident group of nine bottlenose dolphins in its dolphinarium.
Does the Madrid Zoo Aquarium have an aquarium section?
Yes, the facility includes a dedicated aquarium. This aquarium contains 2,000,000 liters of salt water and is part of the overall zoo experience.
What other facilities are available at the zoo?
Beyond the animal exhibits, the Madrid Zoo Aquarium offers several amenities for visitors. These include multiple restaurants, a petting zoo, and tours such as a boat tour and a train tour.
Related Zoos
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Maroparque
Maroparque is an animal rescue center located in Breña Alta, La Palma, Spain, established in 2000. It serves as a sanctuary for over 450 rescued and seized exotic animals, playing a vital role in wildlife rehabilitation and conservation, particularly highlighted by its intake of over 250 animals displaced by the 2021 volcanic eruption.
Terra Natura
Terra Natura is a brand of zoo and aqua park destinations located in Spain, with parks near Benidorm and Murcia. These parks offer visitors the chance to see a variety of animals, including elephants, tigers, and lions, with an emphasis on creating an immersive experience through "invisible barriers."