If you have followed my blog, you know my attachment to Madrid, and my history there so do not need to repeat me think. If you have not and new to my blog just go to search type Retiro and/or Madrid and see the many posts on it. From Madrid to heaven and a hole in the sky to look down on it everyday. The focus here is something folks hidden somewhat inside the wonderfully beautiful Parque del Buen Retiro or simply Retiro park in my dear Madrid. The park is very near where I used to lived and walk by it everytime in the city. This is my park, Parque del Buen Retiro I always look forward to be back,eventually, For now let me tell you about the former Zoo of Madrid !!! Hope you enjoy the post as I.
The former Zoo of Madrid at Retiro Park has remains of the second-oldest zoo in Europe can be seen within the library gardens. It was known as the Casa de Fieras,or House of Beasts, In 1774, King Carlos III ordered the construction of the House of Beasts, a primitive concept of what we know as a zoo. It was home to lions, tigers, and bears, as well as monkeys, ostriches, a crocodile, and even an elephant. By its final days, the facilities were not large enough to accommodate the growing number of animals. The House of Beasts was permanently closed in 1972 (yes remember I was living in the city) when the current zoo and aquarium were inaugurated at a larger space at the parque Casa de Campo (see posts) . The camels participating in the film Lawrence of Arabia, donated by the producers of the monumental film, shot in part in Spain. Since autumn 2023, visitors to the Retiro Park can also explore the fully restored Monkey Pit, which is part of what used to be the Zoo at Retiro. For a century and a half, it was home to dozens of baboons, and today, it remains as a decorative display that recalls that iconic zoo.
The 60s of the 20C were the years of great splendor of the Casa de Fieras, coming to have 550 animals of 83 different species, the enclosure had become too small and the smell that the animals gave off was very strong. The old entrance is flanked by two stone sculptures representing a lioness and a lion, which seem to welcome the visitor. Two artificial caves built in rock, and closed with railings, were formerly the small den of bears. The rest has been transformed into pleasant gardens integrated into the rest of Retiro Park, which today are called the Jardines del Architecto Herrero Palacios, Senior Gardener of the Retiro, successor to Don Cecilio Rodríguez. Above one of the bear caves, we can see the graceful sculpture dedicated to the Duende del Retiro.(Elf), In 2013, the historic zoo was converted to a library and botanical garden. Today, books are stacked on shelves in structures that once caged wild animals. However many of the original structures from the zoo have been preserved. You can still see the old bear cages, the monkey pit, the lion’s den, and remains of the bars through which the great beasts were fed. Nostalgia to be back again soon !!!
The official Madrid tourist office on the Retiro park in general , the above do not exit since 1972 just beautiful buildings to see: https://www.esmadrid.com/en/tourist-information/parque-del-retiro
There you go folks, my park in Madrid. A must to see in Madrid, in fact , you never been to Madrid if not walk the Retiro park… ! Again, hope you enjoy this off the beaten path trip to the former Zoo of Madrid as I.
And remember, happy travels, good health and many cheers to all !!!
Paris1972-Versailles2003 