Monkey Park in Tenerife

In the southern part of the island of Tenerife, near the resort of Los Cristianos, there is a small zoo – Monkey Park Tenerife. Although the area of the monkey park is not large, the most comfortable conditions have been created for each species of animal.

You can check out the guide to the island of Tenerife here.

Monkey Park has been operating for over twenty years. It opened in 1991, with its main goal being to study the life of primates and conserve species. The zoo is small and “budget-friendly.” There are not many permanent residents here, but the “contact” concept (not every zoo allows you to interact closely with wild animals) ensures its popularity.

The park’s territory is designed with landscaped ethnic-style compositions – with fences made of rough stone, wooden fences, and a wooden bridge; with a mini-river for a crocodile. The fences and grilles are camouflaged by lush greenery. All around grow cacti, euphorbias, palm trees, and dracaenas, as well as other exotic trees.

Not only amusing monkeys live on the territory of Monkey Park. Iguanas and turtles, guinea pigs, noisy beauties toucans, colorful parrots, crocodiles, and monitor lizards also reside here.

The favorites of the public are the cat and mongoose lemurs. You can touch, feed, and pet these little creatures (but only if the animal shows interest and interacts, otherwise there is a risk of being bitten). Lemurs can sit on a person’s shoulder, allow themselves to be hugged. Children feel delighted by the attention of these touching little creatures.

Be sure to bring treats, as the residents of Monkey Park pay no attention to guests with empty hands. The animals themselves take food from people’s hands, poking their tiny paws into tourists’ bags, searching for the tastiest morsels. The parrots here are also used to the public: giant macaws, cheerful cockatoos, and small “budgies” carefully take nuts and fruits in their beaks.

Those inhabitants of the zoo that it is undesirable for people to approach are separated from the public by thick glass, netting, or bars. Large monkeys, a monitor lizard, and some birds live behind the partitions.

Recommendations for visitors

Food for lemurs and other park residents is sold at the entrance. You can give the animals green salad, corn on the cob, carrots, cabbage leaves, and some fruits (not too high in calories like bananas or dates). You can bring suitable food with you. Park staff check visitors’ bags to make sure people don’t smuggle in harmful treats. Any extra food is removed and left at the cash desk (you can take it back when leaving the zoo).

Most of Monkey Park’s pets live in huge enclosures that visitors are allowed to enter. It’s better to visit them early in the morning or in the evening. Hungry animals are more willing to interact and show genuine interest in visitors. Keep an eye on your bags, hairpins, and other accessories – these clever creatures may snatch something and not give it back. In the middle of the day, many of the park’s residents are already full and napping.

It is not allowed to shout loudly, scare the animals, or litter on the premises. It is forbidden to teach monkeys to smoke. Despite the seeming absurdity of such a prohibition, there have been precedents.

Opening hours and ticket prices for Monkey Park:

The mini zoo is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Entrance fee: adults – €10; children (5 – 12 years old) – €5.

How to get to Monkey Park?

The park is located near the town of Los Cristianos. No bus goes directly to the park, so you’ll have to get there on your own. If you don’t have your own car, your only option is a taxi.

Taxi fares from various resorts on the island