Zoobotánico Jerez

Zoobotánico Jerez is a combined zoo and botanical garden in Jerez de la Frontera, in the province of Cádiz, southern Spain. Spread across roughly 7 hectares, it brings together an extensive animal collection from five continents with a mature garden of nearly a thousand trees and hundreds of plant species, making it a rewarding stop for wildlife lovers and garden enthusiasts alike.

How did Zoobotánico Jerez come to be?

The site's story starts well before the zoo itself. In 1889, the city built water reservoirs here and landscaped the surrounding grounds, an area that became known as the Tempul gardens. These grounds were turned into a public park in 1939, laying the groundwork for what would become the botanical side of the site. The zoo itself owes its creation to Alberto Durán Tejera, whose efforts led to the official opening of the Parque Zoológico y Jardín Botánico on 10 February 1953 — a park that still carries his name today.

What animals live at the park?

Zoobotánico Jerez holds one of the most important animal collections in Andalusia, with several hundred species drawn from every continent. Visitors can see giraffes, lions, hippos, tigers, zebras, bison and chimpanzees among the resident species. The park also plays an active role in conservation, running breeding programmes for endangered animals such as the Iberian lynx and the northern bald ibis, two flagship species for wildlife protection on the Iberian Peninsula.

What is the botanical garden like?

The garden is just as central to the site as the animal collection. It holds close to a thousand trees, including some centuries-old specimens, and more than 400 plant species. Among the plantings are Himalayan cedars, plane trees, stone pines, and species such as the European nettle tree (Celtis australis), the golden rain tree (Koelreuteria paniculata) and coral trees (Erythrina). This greenery provides natural shade over the animal enclosures, which makes a visit far more comfortable during the hot Andalusian summer.

What is the park's mission?

Zoobotánico Jerez organises its work around three goals: conservation, education and research. It takes part in national and international breeding programmes for threatened species, with particular focus on native Iberian wildlife, including a number of bird species. Alongside this, the park runs educational activities for schools and families aimed at raising awareness of biodiversity and the need to protect it.

Who is the park suited for?

Thanks to its manageable size and well laid-out paths, the park makes for an easy visit with children, though it equally appeals to adults with an interest in wildlife or landscape design. Its location close to the centre of Jerez de la Frontera — a city known for sherry production and flamenco tradition — makes it simple to combine a visit with other things to see in town.

Frequently asked questions

When did Zoobotánico Jerez open? The park officially opened on 10 February 1953, although the grounds it occupies had already been developed since 1889.

How many animal species are there? The collection includes several hundred species from five continents, among them endangered animals like the Iberian lynx.

Is there a botanical garden as well as a zoo? Yes, the site combines a zoo with a botanical garden that holds nearly a thousand trees and over 400 plant species.

How large is the park? Zoobotánico Jerez covers about 7 hectares, with expansion plans that would eventually double its size.

Does the park do anything besides display animals? It runs conservation breeding programmes, scientific research and educational activities for visitors and schools.