Cocodrilo Park Zoo Admission Ticket in Agüimes

Introduction

If you’re an animal enthusiast planning a trip to Gran Canaria, the Cocodrilo Park Zoo stands out as a unique, ethical alternative to traditional zoos. This park spans over 22,000 square meters and is home to more than 500 animals, including the largest alligator exhibit in Europe. What makes this experience particularly appealing is its focus on rescue and conservation, offering visitors a chance to see animals that have been saved rather than simply displayed.

One thing we love about Cocodrilo Park is its interactive shows and demonstrations—not just a walk-through zoo, but an engaging way to learn about wildlife conservation. The park also provides delicious food options, including hot dogs and smoothies, which add a nice touch to the visit. However, some reviews have raised concerns about the condition of some animal spaces, so keeping expectations balanced is wise. This experience suits families, animal lovers, and those interested in seeing a different kind of zoo—the rescue kind—that emphasizes education and care.

Key Points

• Affordable Entry: At around $11.49, it’s a budget-friendly activity for families and groups.
• Animal Diversity: Over 500 animals, including crocodiles, tigers, monkeys, and more.
• Interactive Shows: Bird feeding, crocodile demonstrations, and animal stories.
• Rescue Focus: The park is a rescue station, emphasizing animal welfare and education.
• Family Friendly: Suitable for kids and accessible for all, including wheelchair users.
• Limited Transport Options: Best accessed by car, with no official pick-up service.

A Closer Look at Cocodrilo Park in Gran Canaria

General Overview

Cocodrilo Park is more than just a zoo—it’s a sanctuary for rescue animals, with a mission to care for and rehabilitate exotic species. The park covers a sizable area, making it ideal for a relaxed, unhurried visit. For €11.49 (about $11.49), visitors get entry to this rescue station, which is praised for its well-maintained facilities and engaging shows.

The park is open from 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM on Fridays to Sundays, offering ample daytime hours for exploration. It’s recommended to book tickets about nine days in advance for smoother planning, especially during peak seasons.

The Visitor Experience

Walking through the park, you’ll encounter a variety of animals such as meerkats, turtles, lizards, and raccoons, along with the more exotic—deer, tigers, llamas, and chimpanzees. The reviews mention that the animals generally appear well cared for, though a few visitors noted that some spaces could be improved, especially in hot weather when shade appears limited.

One of the highlight moments is the bird feeding show, which many reviewers found “especially” interesting. Seeing nature in action, with colorful birds and knowledgeable staff sharing stories about animal habitats, offers a more educational experience. The crocodile demonstrations are considered a main attraction, with visitors often impressed by the size and number of crocodiles on display.

The Itinerary in Detail

Stop 1: Cocodrilo Park in Agüimes

Your journey begins at the main entrance, where you’re greeted by a friendly staff and the promise of a day filled with animal encounters. The park’s largest exhibit of alligators in Europe is a definite photo-op, with some reviews describing how close you can get to these impressive reptiles—though safety rules are strictly enforced.

Expect to spend around 4 to 6 hours exploring, depending on your pace and interest level. Visitors often enjoy watching animal shows and feeding demonstrations, which are scheduled throughout the day. The staff, praised for their knowledge and friendliness, make an effort to share interesting facts about each species, especially during shows.

Highlights & Animal Encounters

• Crocodile Shows: The centerpiece, showcasing the size and behavior of these ancient creatures. Many reviewers find the demonstrations “very exciting” and worth the visit.
• Bird Feeding: As noted by a reviewer, the bird show is “amazing,” with lots of colorful species and a chance to see how they’re fed and cared for.
• Small Animal Interactions: Visitors can observe or even participate in feeding some animals like pygmy goats, pigs, and llamas. The park feels like a rescue environment where animals are genuinely looked after.
• Monkey Show and Snack Bar: There’s a dedicated monkey snack bar, where you can buy hot dogs, smoothies, or light snacks, making the experience more comfortable for families.

Animal Welfare & Conditions

While most visitors praise the cleanliness and care of the animals, some critics express concern about small enclosures and lack of shade for the animals, particularly in hot weather. One reviewer mentioned feeling that some animals seemed to be kept in “poor condition,” which highlights the importance of balancing visitor entertainment with animal welfare.

Additional Facilities & Experience Tips

The zoo includes a gift shop and a cafe—perfect for a quick snack or souvenir. Most travelers find the ticket price excellent value, especially given the variety and quality of shows. Note that food and drinks are not included in the ticket price, so consider bringing water or planning to purchase snacks onsite.

Since there’s no pick-up service and public transportation is limited, most visitors recommend driving. The park is near public transit, but a taxi or car rental guarantees the easiest access.

Authentic Reviews and Insights

Reviewers highlight the friendly staff and well-organized shows, often noting that kids especially enjoy the experience. One commented that her mother, who uses a wheelchair, found the paths mostly accessible, though a few uneven sections exist. Many describe the park as beautifully maintained, with “very interesting stories” about each animal’s rescue journey.

A few less favorable reviews mention transport issues—such as the lack of a bus service from some hotel areas—so planning ahead for transportation is wise. Conversely, many reviewers emphasize the good value for money, especially when considering the entertainment and educational content.

Practical Tips for Visiting

• Book in advance to secure your spot, especially during peak season.
• Go early to beat the heat and enjoy the shows and animal interactions with fewer crowds.
• Bring water and sun protection, as parts of the park have limited shade.
• Wear comfortable shoes—the paths are uneven in some areas.
• Consider your transportation options carefully; a car is the easiest way to access the park.
• Allocate 4-6 hours for a relaxed visit, including shows and meal breaks.
• Prepare kids for some animal close-ups and interesting demonstrations—they’ll love the interactive parts.

The Sum Up

Cocodrilo Park in Gran Canaria offers a distinctive experience for animal lovers interested in responsible rescue stories and engaging wildlife shows. For a modest fee, you gain access to a diverse collection of animals, heartfelt stories of rescue, and entertaining demonstrations that make the visit both fun and educational.

It’s best suited for families, groups, or solo travelers who are keen on wildlife and don’t mind a park that might have room for improvement in some animal enclosures. The value for money is hard to beat, especially given the quality of the shows and the opportunity to see rare and impressive animals like the alligators and tigers close up.

While some reviews urge caution regarding the conditions of certain enclosures, the park’s focus on rescue and conservation remains a core appeal. It’s a place where you can learn about the importance of animal welfare firsthand, all while enjoying a fun, approachable, and authentic animal experience.

FAQ

Is Cocodrilo Park suitable for children?
Yes, the park is very family-friendly and offers shows and animal interactions that kids typically enjoy.

How long should I plan to spend at Cocodrilo Park?
Most visitors spend around 4 to 6 hours exploring, watching shows, and having snacks.

Are food and drinks included in the ticket price?
No, food and drinks are not included, but there is a monkey snack bar with options like hot dogs and smoothies.

Is there a guided tour or audio guide available?
The reviews do not mention guided tours; most of the experience is self-guided with shows and demonstrations.

Can I buy tickets on the day of my visit?
While it’s possible, it’s recommended to book in advance (about 9 days ahead) to secure your spot, especially during busy periods.

Is the park accessible for wheelchair users?
Most reviewers say yes, though some uneven paths exist; it’s best to plan accordingly.

Do I need to rent a car to get there?
Public transport is limited; most visitors find that having a car makes your visit easier.

What animals can I expect to see?
Over 500 animals including crocodiles, tigers, meerkats, turtles, llamas, monkeys, and more.

Are the animal enclosures large enough?
Most visitors feel the enclosures are adequate, but a few reviews mention that some spaces could be improved, especially in the heat.

Is it worth the price?
Absolutely, especially given the shows, animal diversity, and rescue story focus. Many call it excellent value for the price.

Overall, Cocodrilo Park offers a meaningful and enjoyable experience for animal lovers and families alike. With its combination of rescue stories, engaging demonstrations, and a wide variety of animals, it’s a worthwhile addition to your Gran Canaria itinerary.