Location: Valencia, Spain
Recommended by Yesenia and Sierra of The Sisters Who Voyage
How do I know it’s ethical?
The Valencia Bioparc is known far and wide worldwide for its unique approach to “zoos.” The Valencia Bioparc is unlike any other zoo, where animals are kept in cages lined with barbed wire. Instead, this Bioparc focuses on the animal’s well-being and maintaining their natural habitats within the park. In addition, the Valencia Bioparc is unique because it practices zoo immersion. The goal is to immerse humans in their habitats rather than immersing them in ours. So, instead of separating the animals from humans using cages and barbed wire, they integrated rocks, ponds, rivers, and other natural resources as barriers. They do this to replicate a habitat as close to their natural environment as possible and give humans the feeling that they are actually out in the wilderness in Africa.
Another cool thing about this Bioparc is that animals that would generally coexist and coincide in real life are also kept together within the park. On the other hand, Predators are a bit more of a threat to both the animals and us, so they’re separated using glass barriers. In addition, the Bioparc placed a high level of devotion to keeping their habitats in the park as close to the real thing as possible. So, animals that live in pairs or packs will also live like that in the park. Then there are the very adorable lemurs that can roam freely in their exhibit, which is terrific since once you walk into the lemurs’ exhibit, they can walk right up to you or watch you while relaxing on a nearby tree with their buddies.
Description of the Experience
The concept of an immersive park protects the animals. It contributes to their conservation due to a better quality of life and better education for humans on how these animals live in the real world. The park contains unique vegetation, animal species, and landscapes similar to the African continent and its surrounding islands like Madagascar.
Important Things to know about the Experience
Note: The Bioparc also only contains animals and vegetation that you would see in an African habitat, so don’t expect to see any polar bears or anything like that.
Keep in mind the staff at the park will be closely engaged in ensuring safety for the animals and you, so please follow their directions and policies.
Tips: The Bioparc is enormous, so be prepared and wear comfortable walking shoes. Bring water! The park prohibits any food brought in, and bags can be searched. So bring bottled water in plastic and no glass containers for water. Don’t worry if you get hungry because they have small restaurants where you can get food and drinks. Stay updated on policies and rules, so you’re not surprised by changes.
Company/ Cost:
Tickets can be purchased at a ticket booth near the entrance of the Bioparc, or you can purchase online at the Valencia Bioparc Website.
As of June 2022, the ticket prices are: General (13-64): 26.90 euros Reduced (4-12): 21.00 euros +65 years old: 20.60 euros Under 4: Free
Parking fee: 10 euros per day
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This is one post on a series of ethical animal tourism posts by travel content creators. The experiences cover all seven continents and a variety of animals. Ensure that your animal experience is an ethical one.
Learn More About Ethical Animal Tourism
10 Questions to Ask to Ensure the Encounter is Ethical?
