The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) has recently admitted BIOPARC Valencia as a full member, a recognition that endorses its "leisure with a purpose" model and its commitment to animal welfare, biodiversity conservation, research, and public education. This milestone is especially important as a benchmark for 21st-century parks and symbolic because BIOPARC will celebrate its 18th anniversary in 2026.
BIOPARC Valencia opened its doors in 2008 And it did so with the aim of tackling a serious problem and with the conviction of being part of the solution. With a forward-looking vision regarding the now evident environmental deterioration and the so-called sixth mass extinction, the approach had a dual focus of action: Protect endangered species and mobilize society to conserve the planet.
In this way, BIOPARC positioned itself among the pioneers of 21st-century animal parks and, since the end of 2025, has been a full member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA). This organization establishes the major strategic guidelines that direct the sector's actions internationally. Animal welfare, conservation, research and education They are integrated into a common roadmap aimed at a priority goal: to address the loss of biodiversity in a coordinated manner.
Since the end of 2025, BIOPARC Valencia has been a full member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA)
Receiving this important recognition is especially significant because BIOPARC Valencia is considered one of the best animal parks in the world And next February it will turn 18, a significantly short period of time considering the long history of the most prestigious zoological institutions. cutting-edge zooimmersion design It allows you to contemplate, without visual barriers, a faithful recreation of some of the most beautiful and threatened landscapes and experience a direct connection with animals and their habitats.
A new model of “leisure with a cause”, aimed at preserving endangered wildlife and motivating a change in societal attitudes towards environmental protection. In this sense, the joining WAZA This reflects BIOPARC Valencia's firm conviction that it is essential work together on a global strategy that articulates the capacity of animal parks to generate real impact. Every year, millions of people visit these centers worldwide, and this enormous platform must translate into knowledge, awareness, and effective support for nature conservation.
BIOPARC demonstrates its commitment and responsibility by following the criteria of the scientific community.
BIOPARC demonstrates its commitment and responsibility by following the criteria of the scientific community and entities such as International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to address the actions in a comprehensive manner. On the one hand, by promoting in-situ preservation projects through the BIOPARC Foundation in the so-called biodiversity “hotspots”, both internationally and in the immediate environment.
On the other hand, there was the ex situ aspect, with the prominent participation in nearly 70 European Endangered Species Programmes (EEP) who work for to prevent their extinction and ensure their survivalMaintaining viable populations under human care, considered as a "reserve," which would be vital if it were necessary to reintroduce them into their original habitats.
BIOPARC, national and international reference
BIOPARC Valencia's approach is fully aligned with the modern, high-quality animal parks represented by WAZA, and its membership marks another step in its trajectory as member of the three Associations of Zoos and Aquariums: the Iberian (AIZA), the European (EAZA) and finally the World.
Thus, it is further consolidated as a symbol for the city and the Valencian Community, positioning itself as a national and international reference at a key moment, when it is more necessary than ever to bring nature closer to society and defend this wonderful planet that we share with all living beings, with the determination and hope that by joining forces we will achieve it.
