Since I like animals, I went to the zoo, and I have to say that the Barcelona Zoo is one of the most beautiful European zoos I have never seen. It is really big, there is a lot of variety, and it has an area for a picnic, a mini train, s dolphin show, and s restaurant. It is a really nice place for the whole family.

An excellent way to spend the day. This zoo has a huge variety of different animals and exhibitions - the zoo used to have an albino gorilla, but sadly, it died in 2003, but they have an excellent exhibition all about 'Snowflake' and other gorillas. Some of the exhibitions have English text, which is very useful, as neither of us speak Spanish or Catalan! The zoo is very large and makes for a very nice, long walk - we spent about 5 hours just walking slowly around, looking at the animals. The zoo also features a dolphin show, which makes for a good break from the sun if you catch the show in the indoor auditorium. There are a few optional extras which you have to pay for, but it is still excellent value for the money and well worth a look.

One of the best features of the zoo is that it is situated directly next to the Catalan parliament. While this may provide the opportunity to make quips regarding similarities between zoo animals and politicians, this is due to change in the next few years when the zoo is moved to a less politically sensitive area. Location apart, the zoo is a very pleasant day out with a surprisingly large and varied number of animals in quite a small area. A highlight is Snowflake, an albino Gorilla, and the zoo's range of apes and monkeys is exemplary.

It is very big, with different sections and different animals. Also there is a special part where you can see dangerous insects, and place for snakes and crocodiles, remember that you must pay extra to enter and see this sections. The most popular attraction was the Albino Gorilla called Snowflake, but he recently died, so you`ll have to find something else to admire, and believe me it isn`t hard (giant turtles were my favorite). There are speaking parrots, lovely wild cats, penguins, pandas, crocodiles. And dolphins...If you are planning to visit this ZOO, be sure that you have 2-3 spare hours and comfortable pair of shoes. Although there are mini jeeps to drive around and they are not free of charge.

One of the most offbeat attractions we visited was the Barcelona Zoo. It is home to an animal so unique, he may be the only one of his kind. Floquet de Neu (Snowflake) is his name, and he is the only albino gorilla ever seen - and certainly the only one ever captured. Taken while still a toddler from his home in in Africa, he has lived in Barcelona for over 30 years and has become something of a city mascot.

The Zoo was built in the 1950s and was considered revolutionary at the time because most of its inhabitants are not caged, but are kept in their respective areas by the use of moats. Floquet is not so lucky, and spends most of his time behind a plexiglass window with two of his many offspring. He is famous for his wide range of facial expressions, which are made all the more remarkable by the unusual pinkness of his skin. His unusual coloring and flamboyant personality are worth a visit, especially if you have kids in tow. Also in attendance was what appeared to be an albino peacock, although its existence is not nearly as well advertised. I didn't take any photos of Floquet; he is photographed more often than a supermodel and I thought he could use a break. Instead, I will direct you to a link where he is posing very prettily and making a great face! Gorilla Cheesecake

The zoo is located in the Parc de la Ciutadella, which also contains a truly splendid multi-story fountain on which Gaudi reputedly worked as a student. The fountain is flanked by two stone staircases leading up to what was once an aquarium.

Phone 93-225-67-80