|
|
Zoos aren't what they used to be, fortunately. You won't find miserable animals pacing up and down shoebox cages, clinging to solitary branches or paddling around in sad puddles at Fuengirola's new, visitor and animal-friendly zoo. Instead, as you wander through this simulated tropical forest, lush with vegetation, rivers and waterfalls, you'll see crocodiles basking on the sandy shores of the Nile, Sumatra tigers bathing besides Angkor Wat, lemurs playing around an ancient Baobab tree and, if you're brave, bats flitting around abandoned mines. There is a "Claro de Selva", where you can see birds and mamals living in their own natural habitat. Two tours made daily - mornings and afternoons.
Look down in The Forest Floor section and you'll spot meerkats, giant snails and river hogs. Look up in the Forest Canopy and you'll see gibbons and hornbills and rainbow loris monkeys. Wherever you look in this pioneer zoo, the only thing between you and the animals are natural barriers like bridges and riverbanks, or bulletproof windows that allow you to get right up close, even to razor-sharp crocodile teeth.
Perhaps the greatest innovation, though, is the "moonlight visit". Throughout July and August the zoo stays open until 1.00 am allowing visitors to observe the more nocturnally-active species, such as leopards, flying foxes and porcupines. The forest paths are lit with artificial moonlight and the air filled with a piped forest soundtrack, all adding to the Disney-theme park feel to the place. Finally, you can round off your twilight or midnight jungle trip by enjoying a meal in one of the zoo's themed restaurants.
Extra fun for the kids is provided, with a large play area, including a miniature farm. And there are absolutely no problems for those with disabilities as the zoo grounds are mostly flat, and free from all architectural barriers.
Opening Times - Daily from 10.00 hours
Closing Time: depends on season (consult Zoo)
Prices - Entry: 12.30 euros, children from 3 to 9: 8.60 euros, Retired: 8.90 euros.
1 euro discount for passengers arriving on the Malaga local train.
Tickets - Available at the zoo box office, hotels, travel agencies, and the Portillo bus terminals.
|
