Places to see animals for free in Madrid
Places to see animals for free in Madrid add value and quality of life in a city and region this big. Families, children and nature lovers will be glad to know that the green spaces including its famous lungs like the Retiro Park and the Casa de Campo offer some amazing fauna for free. Some of the places in this article are gated habitats while in others the animals roam freely.
Retiro Park:
This popular park is a habitat to ducks, squirrels, rabbits, a variety of birds and peacocks. The squirrels, rabbits and birds are spread accross the whole park. However the ducks can be seen in the pond opposite the Palacio de Cristal (Glass Palace). Then there is Los Jardines de Cecilio Rodríguez where visitors can see peacocks…there are also ducks in the fountains nearby.
Opening Hours:
Spring – Summer: April – September 6:00 – 24:00
Automn – Winter: October – March 6:00 – 22:00
Address: Plaza de la Independencia 7 Madrid
Website: www.esmadrid.com/informacion-turistica/parque-del-retiro/
Atocha Station:
After the remodelling of the train station between 1985 and 1992, the first city garden inside a railway station was created. The tropical garden receives daylight and is kept in a warm, moist environment. The fauna is solely composed of 14 different species of turtles totalling 275 animals. A major part of the animals present were abandoned by their owners, and currently there is a high barrier to prevent this. Those who try to abandon their animals there will be fined.
Opening Hours: Daily from 05:00 till 01:00
Address: Plaza Emperador Carlos V Madrid
Website: http://goo.gl/Dx0TBL
Casa de Campo:
The largest park of Madrid hosts dozens of species of birds both diurnal and nocturnal from egrets to owls. There are also serpents like the ladder snake and the Montpellier snake. You will also see hedgehogs, rabbits, squirrels, some aquatic fauna including frogs, fish and terrapins.
Opening Hours: Daily all year round
Address: Casa de Campo, s/n Madrid
Website: http://www.lacasadecampo.net/FAUNA2.html
Burrolandia:
As its Spanish name suggests, Burrolandia is dedicated to the preservation and study of donkeys. Visitors will see how these animals behave and their feeding habits. The place is located in the town of Tres Cantos, a Cercanias train ride away or a 40 kms cardrive. In addition to the ride on the donkey´s back, visitors can closely observe the feeding of the colts and foals.
Opening Hours: Sundays from 11:00 – 14:00
Address: Glorieta de la Moraleja 147 Tres Cantos
Website: www.amiburro.es
Guadalajara Zoo:
Guadalajara Park is located on a total area of about 11 hectares of groves of trees and shrubs. The park specializes in European fauna although they have animals from the 5 continents. You can find bears, wolves, lynx, boars, guineafowls, capuchin monkeys, deers as well as some domestic animals including horses, turkeys and sheep. There are areas for rest and recreation , with tables and playgrounds for kids.
Opening Hours:
Winter season: Monday through Friday from 10.00 to 17.30. Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 11.00 to 17.30.
Summertime: Monday through Friday from 10.00 to 21.00. Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 11.00 to 21.00
Address: Av. Pedro Sanz Vázquez, Guadalajara
Website: http://www.zooguadalajara.es/