Fuengirola Zoo

We finally made it to Fuengirola Zoo, which is situated right in the centre of Fuengirola, about a five minute walk from both the train and bus stations (see map and directions below).

The latest arrival is a Sri Lankan Leopard cub which is an endangered species and only 20 zoos in the world have this species. In fact there are only 63 Sri Lankan leopards in captivity.

Fuengirola Zoo does not have cages and the animals are all kept in enclosures where you can look through glass walls or peer over the walls or through viewing points. Some zoos I have been to have left me feeling that it was cruel but I didn't feel that at Fuengirola.

It is quite a small Zoo but we liked that, there are around 45 enclosures that house most of the animals that you would want to see, Tigers, Gorillas, Chimps etc, they also have a large window where you can look through into the water of a small crocodile infested lake, its really eerie when one swims by.

We spent about three hours at Fuengirola Zoo on a Sunday afternoon and I would say that this is about the right sort of time you should allow. This gave us time to walk around twice and see some of the animals that were asleep the first time.

We saw a fantastic animal show at the end which is on at 5:00 pm in the winter and lasts around half an hour. It's mostly trained birds flying around but there are a few surprises so I won't spoil the fun.

The zoo has two restaurant areas which are situated at the entrance and in the Southeast Asian zone, next to the orang utan enclosure.

They have been designed to blend in with the tropical forest, and offer a wide choice of dining with a restaurant, cafeteria, burger bar, pizzeria, ice cream parlour, buffet menus and fast food

There is a children's play area of more than 500 square metres which been set up next to one of the restaurant areas, where children can lose themselves in a labyrinth, dive into a ball pool, play on the swings or explore the Robinson Crusoe tree huts.

For more information you can ring Fuengirola Zoo on (0034) 952 66 63 01 or visit their website at www.zoofuengirola.com and the full address is Avda. Camilo Jose Cela, No 6, 29640 Fuengirola.

Fuengirola Zoo is open every ay from 10:00 and is the only zoo in Europe which opens its gates until midnight during the summer months. Every night in July and August a part of the forest is illuminated so that under the moonlight you can discover the mysterious world of the tropical forest at night.

Fuengirola Zoo charge an entrance fee of €15.50 for Adults, €10.60 for kids (aged 3 to 9 years ) and pensioners which is not bad value for money.

To get to Fuengirola Zoo take the bus to the Fuengirola bus station, the train to Fuengirola or drive via the N340 take the exit near the Water Park or the large Miramar Centre - both are signposted. in fact the Zoo isn't that far behind the water park. It is a good Costa del Sol day out.