News:
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The Barcelona Zoo is facing the most profound transformation since it was inaugurated in 1892. The park is immersed in a transition that emphasizes above all the conservation plans for native and endangered fauna in which it is involved. In transition from will to deeds, the enclosure faces a change of era with an
extensive remodeling, which is accompanied by the renunciation of certain emblematic animals remaining at the park.
The transformation
seeks to prioritize the conservation of native fauna and threatened species, which would mean the end of the presence of some emblematic animals in the Ciutadella grounds. The plans presented by the zoo suggest that species such as elephants, tigers, penguins,... could disappear from the zoo, although this proposal still lacks definitive approval, the species list the project will display is far from finished and still being debated. The document proposes maintaining 188 species compared to the current almost 300, the media reports. Some of the animals the articles mention will apparently keep being housed at the zoo include Katanga lions, Chapman's zebras, crocodiles (species not determined), Rothschild's giraffes, flamingoes (species not determined, but at least greater), different tortoise/turtle species, western lowland gorillas, Bornea orangutans, chimpanzees, Iberian wolves, Eurasian otters, Montseny brook newts, mediterranean pond turtles, saharan dorcas gazelles, meerkats, scimitar-horned oryxes, Lyle's flying foxes, ring-tailed lemurs, south american tapirs, giant anteaters and pygmy hippopotamuses. The two mentioned new species are the Iberian lynx
and striped hyena.
It's important to note that everything presented here can be subjected to change, as this is mostly a masterplan proposal.
The complete transformation would reach 65 million euros,and is
part of the general renovation of the Ciutadella park. The new zones proposed by the zoo are subdivided into three big thematic areas;
ORIGENS,
EVOLUCIÓ and
BIODIVERSITAT. Within those areas we can find the following sub-zones,
everything written between brackets is speculation rather than anything mentioned in the articles:
ORIGENS:
- Els nostres origens (Primates and education about human origins)
- Bioscope (Evolution in general, maybe home to smaller animals)
EVOLUCIÓ:
- Aillats (Island species)
- Els sentits de l’evolució (Renovation of the current bird house)
- Espai invertebrats (The zoo's invertebrate house has been open to the public since 2022. It's mentioned as part of the master plan)
- Explorem la vida (Not sure)
BIODIVERSITAT:
- Sahel (Already well established (giraffes, lions, mongooses,...), possible new exhibits for animals like scimitar-horned oryx, Mhorr gazelles, dorcas gazelles,...)
- Descobrim la Mediterrània (Mediterranean species such as Iberian wolf, Eurasian otter, barbary macaque,... the article showcases concept art of an aviary for flamingoes and other waders that would fit in this area)
- Cuida’ls: This new experience has already been constructed and is visitable by zoo-goers as we speak. "
This space, designed for all ages and open to educational centers, helps visitors understand which species are endangered and the role of the Barcelona Zoo in biodiversity conservation. Through immersive visuals, play, and discovery, it showcases what actions can be taken to protect biodiversity and emphasizes the importance of responsible pet ownership". It doesn't house animals.
- Jardí de la biodiversitat (Some sort of greenhouse/building? Not sure)
- Bosc Humit (Humid forest species, something that can fit in the current spider monkey islands)
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In my modest opinion, the Barcelona zoo has had many master plan attempts that have fallen off or never picked up traction, I kinda like what I'm seeing here and I'd love it to actually be constructed, but I won't get my hopes up too much...
Vuelve la Semana de las Terrazas de los Hoteles de Barcelona: más de 130 actividades gratis en 10 días
El Zoo de Barcelona prepara su mayor revolución en más de un siglo
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- The zoo has also started a captive breeding program of the endangered
Ibiza wall lizard (
Podarcis pityusensis) alongside the Govern de les Illes Balears. The captures of 17 healthy and genetically different specimens have been carried out (ten individuals from Ibiza and seven from Formentera), which have been transferred to the Barcelona Zoo and will constitute the first reproducers of the ex-situ populations.
The general director of Natural Environment and Forest Management, Anna Torres, who this Friday will visit the zoo facilities and the terrariums that house the 17 specimens, highlighted that "this initiative promotes the preservation of the Pitiusas lizard and allows us to work on the viability of repopulation with this species. Furthermore, to reverse the current trend, we will continue to promote actions to combat invasive snakes, which, without a doubt, today constitute the most serious threat to lizards."
El Govern y el Zoo de Barcelona impulsan un plan piloto para garantizar la conservación de la lagartija de las Pitiusas
View attachment 798329
Aquesta espècie es troba en perill crític i està extingida a la natura. Els programes de conservació que duem a terme a centres especialitzats com el nostre permeten mantenir-ne la població i garantir el futur de l’espècie, amb l’objectiu de poder-la reintroduir al seu hàbitat natural. Cada naixement és un pas endavant en la seva recuperació. Gràcies pel teu suport, que ens ajuda a preservar la biodiversitat! #Conservació #GaselaDamaMohor #PreservemLaBiodiversitat"
