Lorraine Williamson
Bioparc Valencia is embarking on a €64 million expansion project inspired by the historic Silk Roads. The development, set to unfold in three phases, will introduce new themed zones linking Asia, Africa, and Europe.
In a recent post on social media, the Ayuntamiento de València stated:
“We met with the managers of @Bioparc to learn about their expansion project, which will create a cultural and recreational journey, connecting ‘The Silk Roads’ with the history of València. Divided into 3️ phases, it will involve an investment of €64 million.”
The expansion seeks to enhance the park’s cultural and ecological offering, while also strengthening the city’s position as a destination for sustainable and educational tourism.
Linking Valencia to the Silk Road
Though often associated with China, the Silk Road extended far beyond Asia. Valencia became part of this global exchange from the 14th century onwards. Silk arrived in the city via Mediterranean ports like Alexandria and Constantinople, eventually shaping its textile industry.
The city’s Velluters district became a production hub for spinning, dyeing, and weaving silk. Much of the knowledge came via Islamic culture during the Al-Andalus period, enriching local craftsmanship.
Three phases, three regions
Bioparc’s expansion will be divided into three distinct zones:
El Camino Copto (2027)
A coastal journey from Mombasa to Alexandria, highlighting ecosystems of the Red Sea. This section will include Ethiopian architecture, an aviary, and a new children’s area.
Las Alquerías
Local Valencian farmhouses will be restored to demonstrate silk production, from mulberry trees to traditional weaving.
Jardín Chino
Pending final approval, this area will replicate an imperial Chinese garden. Attractions include pagodas, shadow puppet performances, tea houses, and virtual dragon flights across China.
Sustainability and education at the core
According to Valencia’s mayor, María José Catalá, the project aligns with the city’s wider tourism goals. It prioritises sustainability, environmental education, and cultural storytelling.
Visitor numbers at Bioparc are expected to rise from the current 650,000 annually to over one million, making it one of the most significant tourist attractions in the region.
Bioparc’s role in conservation
Bioparc Valencia has operated since 2008 and is known for immersive environments that replicate natural habitats. The park avoids visible barriers, enhancing both animal welfare and visitor experience.
It is home to more than 6,000 animals representing 150 species and actively participates in 50 global conservation projects, many focused on endangered wildlife.
Explore Existing Habitats
Visitors to Bioparc can currently explore four themed ecosystems:
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Savannah: With lions, giraffes, rhinos and zebras.
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Equatorial Africa: A jungle environment featuring gorillas and leopards.
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Wetlands: A habitat for hippos, crocodiles and diverse bird species.
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Madagascar: A walk-through lemur habitat with several species, including ring-tailed lemurs.
Bioparc also offers educational programmes, feeding demonstrations and conservation workshops for all ages.
Plan your visit
Bioparc Valencia is open daily from 10.00 am, with seasonal closing times. It is located at Avenida Pío Baroja 3, Valencia. Tickets are available online or at the entrance.
For those interested in the city’s silk legacy, visits to the Museo de la Seda and the Lonja de la Seda are highly recommended.
Young white rhino at Bioparc Valencia