Spain Bioparc Valencia

Bioparc is a great zoo for photography with thoughtfully designed enclosures that generally avoid putting dirty glass and wire mesh between you and the animals. Zoos aren't everyone's idea of a great photography location and I get why, but realistically I am unlikely to ever see most of these animals in their natural habitats, much less catch them in a great spot for a portrait so I'm happy to take my opportunities where I find them.

Look in particular for the small aviary where you will find superb starlings from Africa and the gorilla enclosure, where the gorillas tend to sit in a spot that makes for good close-up portraits.

From memory it wasn't particularly expensive to get in.

Avoid national holidays and if possible, I've been twice and the second time was a national holiday I knew nothing about. It was mobbed, and very unpleasant.

Also probably give it a miss if it's a clear blue sky day - every enclosure will be full of harsh shadows that will ruin your shots.

I got the metro there (no. 5 line) but it was a fair old walk from my hotel and to the zoo at the other end, so I wouldn't recommend that route. There is a car park at the zoo so if you have a car that is definitely the way to go, otherwise I'd consider getting a taxi. I think the buses will take you closer than the train if you want to save money, but a taxi would definitely be the easiest route.