Santillana Zoo in Santillana del Mar

Santillana Zoo is a zoological park in the Cantabrian town of Santillana del Mar, spread across several hectares right next to the town's well-known old quarter. Rather than trying to cover every kind of animal, it leans into a handful of specialisms — primates, big cats, tropical butterflies and waterfowl — which sets it apart from most Spanish zoos of comparable size.

When was it founded, and who runs it?

The zoo opened in 1977 on the initiative of José Ignacio Pardo de Santayana, who still directs it today. Since 2007, species conservation work, research and environmental education have been overseen by the Fundación Zoo de Santillana, a foundation set up specifically for that purpose. The site has expanded many times over since its first opening, as the animal collection and the number of enclosures grew.

What animals can visitors see?

The collection includes more than two thousand animals across several hundred species. Among them are a number of threatened species, including Sumatran orangutans, snow leopards, Asiatic lions and Przewalski's horses — one of the rarest horse subspecies in the world. The zoo concentrates in particular on four groups: primates, big cats, tropical butterflies and waterfowl such as ducks and geese, each given its own carefully designed enclosures.

Is this a serious conservation zoo or just a tourist stop?

Santillana Zoo belongs to a small group of Spanish zoos with a genuine role in international conservation work. It is a founding member of the Iberian Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AIZA), dating back to 1988, and a member of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) since 1997 — memberships that require meeting standards on animal welfare, research and education. Conservation bodies have also counted it among the better-regarded zoos in Spain.

How does the zoo fit into a visit to Santillana del Mar?

Santillana del Mar is one of Cantabria's best-known towns, prized for its well-preserved medieval architecture and its proximity to the Altamira cave. The zoo makes a natural addition to a visit to the area, pairing a short walk through the historic centre with a full day of a nature-focused attraction suited to families with children. Being located within the town itself means there's no need to travel out to the outskirts or arrange transport to a distant site.

What should visitors plan around?

Given the focus on primates and big cats, it's worth setting aside extra time for those sections, since that's where the most distinctive part of the collection is concentrated. The tropical butterfly house is another highlight rarely found in European zoos of similar size, so it's worth budgeting time for it too, especially when visiting with children.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Santillana Zoo located? In Santillana del Mar, Cantabria, in northern Spain, within easy walking distance of the town's historic centre.

When did the zoo open, and who founded it? It opened in 1977, founded by José Ignacio Pardo de Santayana, who still directs it.

What are the most notable species here? Sumatran orangutans, snow leopards, Asiatic lions and Przewalski's horses — all considered threatened species.

What conservation bodies is the zoo part of? It is a founding member of AIZA (since 1988) and a member of EAZA (since 1997), the European association setting standards for zoo and aquarium animal care.

What does this zoo specialise in? Four groups of animals: primates, big cats, tropical butterflies, and waterfowl such as ducks and geese.