Avifauna

Avifauna is a bird park in Outeiro de Rei, a small municipality right next to the city of Lugo in Galicia, set inside a former quarry on the banks of the Miño River.

What kind of place is Avifauna?

Avifauna ranks among the largest bird parks in Spain, both for the number of species it holds and the size of its collection. Aviaries and botanical-garden pathways are home to more than 600 birds from roughly 250 species drawn from all five continents, ranging from owls and eagles to macaws, pheasants, ostriches and flamingos. Around 40 of these species carry some form of protected status as endangered, and the park runs its own breeding and conservation programme for them.

How did the park come about?

The site began in 2000 as a nature classroom built on the grounds of a disused quarry that had been reclaimed as green space. It wasn't until 2012 that it opened to the public as a full zoological park for individual visitors and groups. Today it combines the roles of a zoo, an interpretation centre for nature, a breeding facility and an educational classroom.

What is there to see on a visit?

Visits are organised mainly as guided walks through the botanical garden grounds. The paths wind between enclosures designed to let visitors watch the birds up close, without the usual barriers and distance of a conventional zoo. Along the route there are also rest areas with tables and benches, a small museum space and a library devoted to ornithology.

Does the park run educational activities?

Yes. Avifauna works with the Lugo Provincial Council on environmental education programmes aimed mainly at schools and organised groups from across the province. The site also has its own veterinary service looking after the birds kept there.

Getting there and what to know before visiting

The park sits just off the LU-P-3905 road, in the parish of Vicinte (Santa María), at Lugar Bravos 8, 27157 Outeiro de Rei — a few minutes' drive from central Lugo. It makes for an easy family outing that combines a walk in the open air with close-up views of exotic and native bird species, without needing to travel far.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Avifauna a zoo or a bird reserve? It's a bird park that combines a zoo, a breeding centre and a nature classroom — not a wild reserve, but a purpose-built site with aviaries and marked visiting routes.

How many bird species can be seen there? The park displays around 250 species and more than 600 individual birds brought in from five continents, including endangered species under a dedicated conservation programme.

Are visits guided? Yes, the standard way to see the park is on a guided walk through the botanical garden and the paths running between the aviaries.

Is Avifauna suitable for children and school groups? Yes, the park has long run nature education programmes in partnership with the Lugo provincial authorities, aimed mainly at schools and organised groups.