Barcelona Zoo begins largest renovation in its history, to be completed by 2030

Barcelona Zoo has entered the final stage of its most ambitious renovation in 130 years, aiming to become a "unique" zoo on a global scale.

On Monday, the city council revealed new details about how the renewed space in the iconic Ciutadella Park will look.

The project centers on three new main areas: Bioscope, Aïllats, and Descobrim la Mediterrània.

Bioscope willl be the "jewel in the crown," mayor Jaume Collboni said. It will be an immersive new center combining interactive technology with the conservation of protected species on-site.

"Its ultimate goal is to inspire new activists dedicated to protecting biodiversity and defending the planet," Collboni said.

Bioscope will be the most ambitious part of the renovation, as it involves constructing an entirely new building.

The tender to select the architectural project will be launched soon, followed by construction, with completion set for 2030.

The new Bioscope will feature over 3,000 square meters of indoor space and 4,000 square meters outdoors, and it will be located in the northern area of the park.

Designed primarily for families, the space will allow visitors to explore ecosystems featuring fish, reptiles, and amphibians, illustrating the story of the "origin of life, from water to land."

Islands and Mediterranean habitats

In addition to the Bioscope, the zoo will open two other new areas: Aïllats and Descobrim la Mediterrània.

'Aïllats' (Isolated) will be an immersive and interactive space focused on island ecosystems, home to lemurs, turtles, reptiles, and amphibians, some possibly from Madagascar or the Galápagos Islands.

'Descobrim la Mediterrània' (Discovering the Mediterranean) will highlight the environmental challenges and loss of biodiversity affecting Mediterranean ecosystems, showcasing emblematic and endangered species native to the region.

While the renovation is underway, the zoo plans to continue operating "as normally as possible." Animals will be temporarily relocated to ensure their well-being, and a new care facility is being built for them during the works.

Fewer, more local species

Although specific details about the zoo's future collection have not yet been confirmed, the zoo's director, Antoni Alarcón, explained that the total number of species may be reduced.

The renewed zoo will focus more on local endangered species and could gradually phase out some animals such as elephants, tigers, penguins, and kangaroos.

The new design will prioritize larger, more naturalized habitats where multiple species from the same environment can coexist, creating a more authentic experience for visitors.

After visiting several zoos around the world during the planning phase, Alarcón said that, when completed, the new Barcelona Zoo will be "unique."