If You’ve Always Wanted To Take Photos of Huge Flamingos for Your Insta, Here’s Where
Flamingos? Unicorns? Yes, please. Scroll back on our @rooster_gnn Instagram and you’ll see that both of these were our mascots for our RGNN Academy programs in Madrid and Cuba back in 2017 and 2018. Granted, our programs took place during the summer, and especially the flamingo floaters were an ideal pool pick. But even during the winter, we still love a good old flamingo photo for our Insta.
And we’re guessing, so do you. In fact, now is your chance to take photos with oversize flamingos, unicorns and so many more animals – right smack in Madrid. Brilla Zoo, an immersive zoo experience, just opened its doors in the Spanish capital, specifically in the Parque Juan Carlos I (where we held our RGNN Academy graduation events precisely with the unicorns a few years ago!).
Brilla Zoo brings together more than 500 animals, making it the biggest zoo worldwide to date. To be clear, the animals aren’t real – there are no cages, no harm being done. We’re talking about illuminated, animated statues; a brilliant (no pun intended!) photo op for your next Insta and TikTok content.
More than that, however, it is an educational experience for the young and old alike. In fact, even dogs are allowed to enter the experience, on a leash, of course. Billboards provide information on the different species, some animals talk (via loudspeakers, of course) about their possible extinction, and you can even download the Brilla Madrid app, available for Apple and Android, for more information. In fact, the experience integrates perfectly with the Parque Juan Carlos I’s natural environment; the real ducks that live there year-round were swimming seamlessly among the illuminated digital animals in the ponds.
As you walk alongside leopards, panda bears and more, you can’t help but reflect on the environment, climate change, sustainability, extinction and the overall impact we as humans have on our surroundings. The phoenix that closes the 1,5 kilometer route hits the nail on the head. “Keep shining,” he, -or his megaphone,- says. “Keep flying high.” What a wonderful, motivating note for the new year – and with that, the entire RGNN team also wishes you a great 2024!
Plan your visit
Brilla Zoo.
Parque Juan Carlos I, Distrito de Barajas.
- Until January 14, 2024.
- Opening hours: from 5.00 p.m. to 10.00 p.m., Monday through Sunday. Closed on December 24 and 31, 2023.
- How to get there: by subway (Line 8, stop “Feria de Madrid”) or car (enter via the Juan Borbón roundabout).
- Buy tickets here online or via El Corte Inglés. You can also buy them directly at the park, provided there are free slots available.
Thank you to Brilla Zoo for inviting us to this animal-friendly experience. Brilla Zoo is sponsored by El Corte Inglés.
