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The city of Valencia has just seen the opening of its new zoo, Bioparc Valencia, home to 4,000 animals. The 250 species from Africa are spread over an area covering 100,000 m². Within the grounds of Capçalera Park, Bioparc Valencia is based on the 'immersion' idea of zoo design, which aims to recreate animals' natural habitats so accurately that visitors have the impression they are actually there.

Indeed, integrating animals, plants and landscape was the idea behind Bioparc Valencia. To this end, the areas set aside for animals and those intended for visitors are separated by camouflaged fences.

As part of the idea of being an immersion zoo, Bioparc Valencia offers visitors a fun and entertaining experience, but also one that includes a commitment to the conservation of species, to education and to the environment. Nevertheless, on 27 February, the day the zoo opened, a group of demonstrators gathered at the entrance to protest against the new zoo (and against zoos in general).

It took three years and €60 million to build the zoo, which was constructed by Rain Forest. Entrance is €20, and the annual pass costs €40 (€30 for children between four and twelve).