Bioparc Valencia Bioparc Valencia News

[SivatheriumGuy]

Interesting announcement, though I am curious to see if this will be a non-animal based project or a new zoo entirely. An Asian based Bioparc would be a welcome addition and would provide another push for Valencia to become a big zoo city for Spain.

Honestly, seeing what they propose what comes to mind is something similar as to what they have done with the South American zone in Bioparc Fuengirola but at a much bigger scale, a lot of very themed and detailed zones dedicated to history and other aspects with not as many exhibits. For what has been shown in concept art at least the Chinese area is thought to house animals, although I don't know what to say about the second phase as it seems very centered in the cultural background of Valencia and the Silk Road (Although it would be the perfect spot to house some native Iberian animals).
I do think animals will play a part in the new areas but it won't be as big of a focus as with the Bioparc Valencia we know as of now, the first phase seems to fall into that category though.

I don't know why they keep proposing new ideas for different parks instead of just expanding the Bioparc itself. It's already proved to be a big success and expanding the park would be a safe bet.

Honestly I for some reason interpreted the whole project to be extra zones of the Bioparc, not new parks! Maybe that's on me but it would redefine a few things when it comes to the project.

 

[Randomname0183]

While I appreciate the interest in developing stuff to promote valencia's history, I can't say it fits too well with the already established park. Also, a missed opportunity to do some Moroccoan/Barbary themed exhibits if the goal was to talk about Valencia's heritage and our relation to berber rule. As for the Chinese stuff, it feels quite out of place in an African themed zoo, and the talk about wildlife seems to refer to a VR experience instead of new exhibits according to the articles...

The concept for the Copt's path seems promising though, and could be an opportunity to do desert/egyptian themed exhibits, giving an opportunity to potentially bring in some missing African fauna such as wild ass, camels, cheetahs and more.

I cannot say I am a huge fan of some aspects of the masterplan, but I will save judgements until I see the actual thing myself.

 

[SivatheriumGuy]

While I appreciate the interest in developing stuff to promote valencia's history, I can't say it fits too well with the already established park. Also, a missed opportunity to do some Moroccoan/Barbary themed exhibits if the goal was to talk about Valencia's heritage and our relation to berber rule. As for the Chinese stuff, it feels quite out of place in an African themed zoo, and the talk about wildlife seems to refer to a VR experience instead of new exhibits according to the articles...

The concept for the Copt's path seems promising though, and could be an opportunity to do desert/egyptian themed exhibits, giving an opportunity to potentially bring in some missing African fauna such as wild ass, camels, cheetahs and more.

I cannot say I am a huge fan of some aspects of the masterplan, but I will save judgements until I see the actual thing myself.

I agree with everything you are saying! I won't be taking anything too literally, as this is a multi-year master plan and as we all know things can easily change with time and no one knows what will turn out of it, we will have to wait and see (Although I doubt the main concept will change, let's hope that as time goes on we get to learn more concrete details of each phase and how this involves animals).

 

[Ferni]

It's important to keep in mind that the Bioparc is "obliged" by the Valencia City Council to reconstruct the traditional Valencian silk farmhouses, on which this controversial second phase will be based. For me, the first phase is a success. I know that for many zoo purists, combining a history museum and a zoo isn't exactly what they expect, but I see it as the future of zoos. After all, zoos are wildlife museums, and I don't think Bioparc is that far off the mark. Regarding the China area, I see some problems. I can tell you that they can't have that many animals either; the plots where the animals would be are quite close to an avenue with a lot of car traffic. It looks like it's going to be a more recreational area. Even so, judging by the images of tigers and takins, it seems they do have animals in mind. We'll see; for now, what I see closest (and not that far off) are the first two phases. Let's see what more information they give.

 

[Randomname0183]

It's important to keep in mind that the Bioparc is "obliged" by the Valencia City Council to reconstruct the traditional Valencian silk farmhouses, on which this controversial second phase will be based.

I had not considered the obligation to reconstruct the farmhouses; honestly, that is a reasonable ask from the Ajuntament in Valencia. My main qualm would be implementing it as part of the Zoo instead of having it as a standalone thing, simply done by the same company. I am all for heritage, but mixing it with the Zoo from a thematic perspective feels off.

I can tell you that they can't have that many animals either; the plots where the animals would be are quite close to an avenue with a lot of car traffic. It looks like it's going to be a more recreational area. Even so, judging by the images of tigers and takins, it seems they do have animals in mind.

The point about the China area being near Av. Pio Baroja is another important point regarding animals that I had not noticed. That plus the size limitation might limit big animals, so the likes of tigers or Takins might be a stretch. Smaller Chinese animals might be doable, or perhaps an Aviary of some degree would be an option, akin to a, most likely, more basic version of something like Prague's Sichuan House?

 

[Ferni]

The point about the China area being near Av. Pio Baroja is another important point regarding animals that I had not noticed. That plus the size limitation might limit big animals, so the likes of tigers or Takins might be a stretch. Smaller Chinese animals might be doable, or perhaps an Aviary of some degree would be an option, akin to a, most likely, more basic version of something like Prague's Sichuan House?

I think aviaries and aquariums will gain momentum in this expansion; the "large" animals are already in the park, much to our chagrin. It even seems that a large part of the first phase's area will be used for African elephants (at least that's what it looks like in the images shared by some newspapers). And above all, it's in the Chinese zone where I think birds can play a very important role, serving as ambassadors for that area of the park. So something similar to the Sichuan house in Prague is something I see as likely to see.

 

[SivatheriumGuy]

I also think they are keeping the specifics of which species are intended to be brought to the park as vague as possible, the first phase is described as having "emblematic African species" but doesn't detail much more, it makes me think that we just know of the bare minimum.
If you look at the concept map, in the larger expansion zone by the entrance (which I'm assuming is the Chinese zone given it's size and proposed elements) you can see that the space closest tied to the road is mostly pathway with a few green areas and what looks like the actual contents of the development are closer to the other extreme of the expansion, maybe the noise concern has been taken under account?

I had not considered the obligation to reconstruct the farmhouses; honestly, that is a reasonable ask from the Ajuntament in Valencia. My main qualm would be implementing it as part of the Zoo instead of having it as a standalone thing, simply done by the same company. I am all for heritage, but mixing it with the Zoo from a thematic perspective feels off.


The point about the China area being near Av. Pio Baroja is another important point regarding animals that I had not noticed. That plus the size limitation might limit big animals, so the likes of tigers or Takins might be a stretch. Smaller Chinese animals might be doable, or perhaps an Aviary of some degree would be an option, akin to a, most likely, more basic version of something like Prague's Sichuan House?

A Sichuan House-style building at Valencia would be incredible, truly the best outcome for a zone like this. Although I doubt that the team working on this new expansion think of tigers and takins as a stretch to feature them in concept art, I made some quick measurements in Google Maps and the proposed expansion area next to the right of entrance is similar in size to the savanna area, and think about every animal species that is housed there! As I said before I don't think it will have a ton of animal species but I wouldn't either rule out larger mammals from the picture.
@Ferni, do you know by any chance which are the farmhouses to be reconstructed? Are they the abandoned buildings right next door to the entrance, or are they elsewhere?

 

[Ferni]

@Ferni, do you know by any chance which are the farmhouses to be reconstructed? Are they the abandoned buildings right next door to the entrance, or are they elsewhere?

They were small Valencian-style houses that were in very poor condition until they collapsed. Rainforest undertook their reconstruction, and from the outside they're already quite advanced, even though the news reports say they're only 40% complete. I suppose they still need to finish fitting them out inside to be ready. The next time I'm there, I'll take a photo and upload it if I can.

 

[SivatheriumGuy]

I don't know how I missed this map, which perfectly clarifies where everything is and confirms what I was thinking of the farmhouses:
- Green: Already constructed areas, including the main park, entrance area, and the bridge that connects both.
- Blue: Phase 1; "El Camino de Copto", iconic African animals, birds, and a marine fish tank.
- Yellow: Phase 2; "Alquerías del camí del Pouet", the reconstructed farmhouses.
- Purple: Phase 3; Imperial China area, traditional Chinese garden with different ludic and cultural activities.

La empresa de Bioparc invertirá 64 millones en un parque sobre la Ruta de la Seda

 

[KEEPER]

In the Copt's Path I hope/like to see gelada baboons, what Specie most Ethiopian that this one?

 

[Randomname0183]

In the Copt's Path I hope/like to see gelada baboons, what Specie most Ethiopian that this one?

I believe Copts refers to Egypt, so if anything I'd have expected to see Saharan and Nile fauna as to Abyssinian wildlife: Baboons, Jackals, Dromedaries, Wild Ass... It could also provide an opportunity to relocate some animals from other parts of the zoo that's fit there and bring in new animals in their place.

 

[Maguari]

In the Copt's Path I hope/like to see gelada baboons, what Specie most Ethiopian that this one?

I believe Copts refers to Egypt, so if anything I'd have expected to see Saharan and Nile fauna as to Abyssinian wildlife: Baboons, Jackals, Dromedaries, Wild Ass... It could also provide an opportunity to relocate some animals from other parts of the zoo that's fit there and bring in new animals in their place.

The coral reef aquarium mentioned also points to Egypt rather than Ethiopia as a theme (though that's not to say it will be necessarily be exclusively so).

 

[KEEPER]

The project director said yesterday that "there would be a farm with animals from Ethiopia, and aviarie/s with ethiopians? birds..."

 

[Randomname0183]

Having read the Levante Article fully, I now understand all the plans better.

From what I now understand, the Copt's path will cover the Red Sea and "from Mombasa to Alexandria", and mentions specifically the red sea, pharonic temples and Ethiopian Farms. I'd assume this could lead to us seeing some African farm breeds, Red Sea reef life or staple from egypt like baboons or camels. An aviary is mentioned as well, so that could fill in another region too. The play area mentioned for kids could also reasonably be referring to the Egyptian temple as well, but could well be near the Zanzibari restaurant area they are planning. As a region there's plenty of potential for varied stuff from Dry Savannas, Ethiopian Highlands, Somali Coast, red sea, the Sahara or the Nile, so lots of possibilities.

The China area also mentions vaguely birds, reptiles and primates, but no firm mention of emblematic fauna like Takin or tigers, let alone Pandas, which would be big drawers and I feel would be mentioned in a pitch like this for publicity. Still would leave some possibility for a Sichuan-esque aviary, and if smaller animals is the game plan, there's still lots of options for display (one could dream of pangolins or Snub-Nosed monkeys, however unlikely, for example )

Again, all speculation but in terms of potential, it's definitely there!

 

[KEEPER]

From the Bioparc website:

...Is the first performance of the ambitious project of “The Silk Roads” and will take us through the Coptic Way through East African ecosystems and animals, from the Indian Ocean to the Mediterranean, passing through Ethiopia, Nubia and Pharaonic Egypt.

The Silk Roads: New BIOPARC Projects

 

[Randomname0183]

Sounds promising, if done well, we could see a lot of new animals for the park. Curious to see how they will fit three pretty distinct ecosystems into such a relatively small area without it feeling cramped.

For now, I guess it's a matter of wait and see, speculation aside.

 

[SivatheriumGuy]

I've reached a little theory with everything we have seen thus far when it comes to the first phase, take this with a pinch of salt since it's just that, a theory.
I think the biggest footprint at the first phase will be taken by a new elephant complex. There are rumors going on of the park hoping to expand the elephant complex, and the idea of a brand new exhibit has been around for what I've heard. I think that's what the park wants to do in the new expansion, but these are just rumors, so I won't give them much of importance.
But this rumor has been given a bit of support from the announcements yesterday, mostly when it comes to the map depicting the first phase and concept art of a large dome with elephants surrounding it. The dome could as well be a replacement of the current mammal and bird demonstration arena, which is right next to the current elephant exhibits, but I highly doubt this to be the case. The "concept map" as I like to call it, depicting various ideas of the master plan, also showcases a small illustration of the described Egyptian temples and a few birds flying over it, right next to the drawing of an elephant.
The phase one map looks to have two other exhibits with water moats upfront, and I can't tell exactly what is depicting an "aviary" for the birds the master plan mentions (you can see flamingoes in the dome elephant art though, and the smaller of both domes kinda reminds me of a large dome-like walkthrough aviary). Considering the Ethiopian farm has to fit into this map somehow, I don't see more than two large mammal exhibits fitting, ignoring the elephants.



Against what I'm proposing, I do think that (as with the other larger mammals in the Chinese zone) the lack of mention of something as significant as a second elephant complex is odd. I also don't think it's that smart of an idea, like, what's the plan? Make this into a bull exhibit? I see it as a herd management nightmare if the park wants to breed with these bulls. I want to reinforce that these are just thoughts I'm thinking, but I do think I'm not speaking nonsense.
In my honest opinion I'm glad to see they want to expand the space for their elephant herd, but if they asked me how to manage this I would have dismanteled the current wetlands area with the tiny hippo and crocodile exhibits and just expanded there, to build brand new enclosures for the common hippos, Nile crocodiles, amphibians and fish, but I'm not the one calling the shots in this scenario... The elephant dome concept art can be found in this video, I haven't seen a proper image of it in the articles and this gives the best view of what I'm saying.

 

[Randomname0183]

An elephant expansion would be one way to go, but I do have to agree that relocating the hippos and crocodiless to better exhibits and using their current displays for elephants would be more feasible. The hippos and crocs could reasonably be relocated to the new silk road area in the egypt area, and finally get out of their deceptively small exhibit in the swamp area of the park. The domes could well be greenhouse exhibits to house them in, like Berlin's hippo dome, for example.

A lack of formal announcement seems to be a recurring theme in bringing in emblematic new species, so I do lean towards it being likely that what is to come will not be huge per see yet, at least, but may still contain a fair few attractive animals that, while not necessarily big crowd-drawers like lions or elephants, will be welcome additions no less.

Alternatively, perhaps the new big exhibit could house black rhinos? While a equally large stretch, they are pretty large animals and would be a good focal point for the area, thought perhaps the area is a bit much for just said species in terms of species richness when space is as limited as it would be here. The safest bet would probably be a new Saharan based hoofstock exhibit in my opinion, though, again, we cannot be sure just yet.

 

[Aramar]

After reading all the news I've found and the official information on the park website, I'm relieved to see that this is indeed an expansion of the Bioparc and not new additional parks.

As for the animals in the African expansion, I would like to see cheetah, baboons and dromedaries. These aren't the most popular species like elephants or lions, but they are iconic African animals too. Nubian ibex, fennec fox, caracal and Somali wild ass could be good additions too.

The Ethiopian farm area can be interesting. The Bioparc is lacking a petting zoo area, which is very popular in many zoos.

 

[Randomname0183]

To be honest, the lack of a petting zoo was never a major point of contempt to me, I felt the zoo was better off without one . If done with some possibly unique farm breeds, however unlikely it could be a nice addition, though I doubt it will do so and will go for some more run-of the mill animals. Ethiopia is a very underrepresented area in zoos, so it would be great to see the likes of Gelada, Cheetah, Grevy's Zebra, Bushpig and more.