Aran Park, a wildlife viewing centre in Bossòst, has launched a new hidden observatory that lets visitors observe wolves from just over a metre away. This installation, based on designs found in French zoological centres, offers an experience previously unavailable in Spain.
Visitors look through a window that appears as a mirror to the animals. The centre introduced the wolf observatory to its offerings this season, following a trial period last summer.
The initial plan for the project was to create a room where visitors could stay overnight next to the animals. However, this idea was abandoned due to the complexities of obtaining authorisation to use the space as accommodation.
Instead, the observatory now hosts 20-minute daytime visits. During these sessions, a guide explains the characteristics of the Canadian wolves living in the enclosure, as well as other varieties of the species. Visitors can safely feed the animals through tubes.
New attractions at the wildlife centre
Access to this viewing area requires a €5 supplement on top of the standard entrance fee. Officials from Aran Park reported that the experience has been well-received by the public since its opening.
This new installation is one of several additions for the current season, which started in March, coinciding with the Easter holiday period, and will run until October.
Aran Park also offers visitors the chance to act as animal carers. The centre has also welcomed new animals, including six small wallabies and Patagonian hares. Through these and other new features, the centre aims to maintain and renew visitor interest each year. Aran Park specialises in native Pyrenean fauna but also features specimens from other parts of the world.
