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Photo: Tiia Monto, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Tiia Monto, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Manuel de Corselas, Public domain
Zoo Aquarium de Madrid, Casa de Campo, S/N, Moncloa - Aravaca, 28011 Madrid, Spain
Photos
Photo: Tiia Monto, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Manuel de Corselas, Public domain
Interesting facts
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It is one of the oldest zoos in Spain, with origins dating back to a royal menagerie established in the 18th century.
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The facility is one of the few places in Europe where visitors can see giant pandas, which are part of a bilateral conservation agreement with China.
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The aquarium holds over two million liters of saltwater, specifically designed for a wide range of marine biodiversity.
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The park contains a dedicated 'Naturaleza Misteriosa' area featuring reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates.
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The zoo participates in the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP) to manage captive populations for conservation.
Overview
Zoo Aquarium de Madrid is one of the few facilities globally to combine a traditional zoological park with a marine aquarium within the same premises. Situated in the large Casa de Campo public park, it houses over 4,000 animals representing more than 500 species. The site features a specialized dolphinarium, an aviary, and a primate house. The aquarium section includes a tunnel system allowing visitors to observe sharks and tropical fish from beneath. Conservation programs are central to its mission, focusing on endangered species such as the giant panda. The layout integrates naturalistic enclosures designed to mimic the habitats of the various terrestrial and aquatic inhabitants.
Photo spot
The glass underwater tunnel in the aquarium area offers unique shots of sharks and rays swimming overhead.
Insider tips
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Download the park map and daily schedule of educational talks upon arrival to coordinate your visit with feeding times.
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Bring a refillable water bottle, as the park covers a large area and shade can be limited in the outdoor sections.
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Wear comfortable, high-traction walking shoes to navigate the hilly, sprawling terrain of the Casa de Campo grounds.
What to avoid
Do not attempt to walk to the entrance from the nearest city center districts, as the Casa de Campo is massive and the entrance is not easily accessible by foot from residential areas.
Good to know
Open daily throughout the year, including weekends and public holidays; check for occasional park-wide maintenance alerts.
Etiquette
Do not feed the animals, refrain from using flash photography near sensitive exhibits, and maintain quiet volumes around enclosures.
Video
Plan your visit
- Key exhibits
- Giant Pandas, Dolphinarium, and shark-filled marine tunnel
- Conservation focus
- European Endangered Species Programme (EEP)
Frequently asked
How long should I spend at Zoo Aquarium de Madrid?
Plan for about 4-6 hours to see the highlights.
When is the best time to visit?
The best time to visit is Weekday mornings, as weekends and school holidays experience significant crowds..
What's the best photo spot?
The glass underwater tunnel in the aquarium area offers unique shots of sharks and rays swimming overhead.
What else is nearby?
Close by you'll find Parque de Atracciones de Madrid, Casa de Campo, Royal Palace of Madrid.
