Zoo de Castellar — Attraction in Castellar de la Frontera

I’m feeling a little conflicted by my visit to the Castellar zoo. I thought that it’s a sanctuary for animals that have been trafficked etc. Maybe it is, but it’s pretty poorly kept. I have visited other sanctuarys and you can usually see how much they care for the animals. This zoo did not give off the same vibes.

The animal closures are so very small and pretty empty with a few to non activities for the animals. These closures don’t really mimic the natural habitat in the extend that they definitely could. For example the crocodiles didn’t have much water.

The most disturbing thing was definitely how the staff let customers hold different animals. There was a baby serval cat that one family at a time could go and see. They put the cat in each of our arms one at a time. The baby cat seemed stressed and tried to get away. There was also a small monkey or baby monkey that you could take on your shoulders. At that point we already declined because it just felt wrong. Next there was a goat enclosure where we could go inside and there was a baby goat that we could hold. They said that the baby goat was only a day old. Then lastly there was some kind of hawk that you could have stand on your arm. You could also enter a closure full of parrots, guinea pigs etc. We didn’t want to get in to the enclosure and the staff literally asked us ”why?”. I think the question should be why are we allowed to get inside the enclosure and disturb the animals. 🧐

I think that this is all just unnecessary stress for the animals. I can’t even imagine it on a busy day if everyone can go into the enclosures and hold / pet different animals. These are still wild animals and they should be allowed to be one.

I think that it would be great if the staff would educate people about the rescued animals and their natural habitat etc or if there was a little story line about each animal, how they got to the sanctuary. Maybe the staff could handle the cubs and show them to people to educate them. But don’t let customers touch them for the animals sake. 😔 A sanctuary is a beautiful thing and it’s great that animals are being saved, but I feel like on this occasion there is much to improve on.

There was also a lot of people feeding the animals, the monkeys for example, even though there was signs here and there to not...

Let me start with what I liked about the zoo. There's no roaming around the zoo, but rather it's one path you follow. The path takes you too all the enclosures. It's different and I really liked it.

I don't work with animals, and I don't know why I said it, but told my girlfriend "these animals have to be from the black market". Turns out, I was right, but not in the way I expected. They have been brought there by the police from establishments that have had them illegally. I don't doubt that the animals are treated better than wherever they were before, but I highly doubt they are getting the attention and stimulation they need to live a proper life at the zoo. It's almost like the owner agreed to take them purely for profit.

The panther was walking endlessly back and forth. The crocodiles were stacked on each other in a cage that felt way too small. The cages for the lion and tigers felt equally cramped. While it wasn't an option when we were there, I saw pictures of people petting a lion and letting humans bother the animals isn't a sign of proper animal care. You could pet a seal.

It's an expensive zoo that feels dirty and not cozy at all. There's not a lot of space, neither for the humans nor the animals. There's no place to eat, so if you get hungry, you're out of luck. Skip this one and go to the one in Fuengirola instead. A proper zoo for pretty much...

Prices: 15€ per adult and 10€ per child Opening times: Monday to Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM

Parking availability is very good, costing 1€ for your stay there

The zoo has many species and generally big enclosures and well set-out to try and replicate their habitats in nature

Many species of monkeys, exotic birds, all species you would expect from a zoo (except Zebras, Elephants and Giraffes) + a few extras also like several Flamingos and two Porcupines

Generally the enclosures are well kept and the animals look happy, interacting with each other and with the zoo visitors, one is able to hold a little lemur and also a big eagle on your arm, all at no extra charge which is nice

Also has a small "cafeteria" at the beginning (which you come back to at the end). We didn't visit but looking at what everyone had it appeared to be just snacks - drinks, ice creams, crisps, sweets - not actual food/meals

Overall a pleasant zoo you could spend 1-3 hours in depending on if you rush it or spend your time interacting with each animal, and very good value for money really, great for individuals,...