Faunia – Exotic animals in Madrid

Faunia is a biodiversity theme park that is made up of eight of the world´s eco-systems and 3,500 animals.

The first time I visited it was because I was making a report for the radio station I work for. It really impressed me! I don´t find the zoo particularly amazing, but this is a completely different concept. It’s divided into different areas so you can see the animals in their habitat, not in cages.

My favourite is the ‘Night time’ area. Many animals and birds are kept outside. The most enjoyable aspect of the Faunia park is that many of the animals are allowed to roam quite freely. There are, what we call in Spanish, “perritos de la pradera”, a lot of very cute little furry animals who pop up out of holes in a grass bank. They are able to run totally free in the park, so you can imagine how fun it is for the visitors!!

The aquarium section should not be missed, as it contains the world´s largest species of fish. But something unique is the Amazon Jungle area, a recreation of a real one, even because there are artificial storms that make all type of exotic birds very very happy!!

In Faunia you can also find the largest reconstruction of a Polar Eco-system in Europe so it´s a place for children but also for grown-ups, as I have an incredible time whenever I go back!!