Event: Spain

Crocodile Park

When:	Daily; not Sat
Where:	Cocodrilo Park
Opening Hours:	10am-6pm

What began in 1988 as a sanctuary for a few stray crocodiles has now become the largest crocodile sanctuary in Europe and a full-blown zoological park into the bargain. Cocodrilo Park, in Villa de Aguimes, Gran Canaria has over 300 crocodiles, an aquarium containing tropical and Canarian fish, a spider house featuring the dreaded tarantulas and a parrot house.

But it is the crocodiles which take centre stage here, with an exhibition showing their development from eggs to the different species of fully-grown crocodiles of varying sizes. Species hail from Florida, the Nile and a host of other countries. Be sure to visit during feeding times (at 12pm, 2pm and 4.15pm) to see the crocodiles at their fastest and most agile. In addition, there is a chimpanzee section, tigers, jaguars, camels and even pygmy goats.

The park is run as a charity, receiving no funds from the government but relying completely on entrance fees to feed and look after the animals. All the animals have been rescued from the streets where they are used as attractions for money, some are no longer wanted by circus owners and some even started out as pets. All have been badly treated, poorly fed, some have had their teeth and claws removed with pliers by their previous owners. But thankfully, the animals lucky enough to have found themselves here are well cared for and cherished by the park keepers.