Most animals at the facility were former illegal pets or victims of trafficking before being handed over to the care of the zoo.
The zoo acts as an officially recognized wildlife recovery center for the local government of Asturias.
Its location in a woodland area (El Bosque means 'The Forest') allows for a more natural environment compared to traditional urban enclosures.
The institution is primarily family-run, focusing on personal care for the residents rather than large-scale exhibition.
It houses species that are often neglected in mainstream zoo collections due to the high cost of specialized care required for rescued individuals.
Zoo El Bosque is a specialized rescue center located in the Asturian countryside that functions as a sanctuary for animals unable to return to the wild. Unlike traditional commercial zoos, the facility focuses on the rehabilitation and welfare of individuals seized from illegal trade, discarded as exotic pets, or recovered from injuries. It hosts a diverse collection of fauna including primates, birds of prey, and various reptiles housed in enclosures designed to mimic natural habitats. The center operates as a small-scale, educational space where visitors can learn about the challenges of wildlife trafficking. It is situated on a hillside in San Esteban de las Cruces, providing a quiet, wooded setting for the rescued inhabitants. The park emphasizes conservation efforts and the individual stories of the animals under its care.
The viewing platform overlooking the main primate enclosure offers the clearest vantage point for photography.
Wear sturdy walking shoes as the terrain is hilly and features unpaved, natural paths.
Check the zoo's social media pages before arriving, as they frequently post updates regarding new rescues or temporary closure days.
Bring binoculars if you have them, as the enclosures are designed to provide hiding spots for animal welfare, which may make spotting some individuals more challenging.
Do not attempt to interact with or touch the animals, as many are recovering from trauma or have behavioral issues.
Closed on Mondays throughout most of the year; subject to seasonal changes in mid-winter.
Maintain silence near enclosures to avoid stressing rescued animals; strictly no feeding the animals outside of staff-led programs.
