Camello Center, Zoo in El Tanque, Spain
Camello Center is a zoo in El Tanque, Tenerife, where visitors can see camels, goats, ponies, and donkeys kept in open-air enclosures set within the natural terrain of the island. The grounds sit close to Teide and follow the shape of the hillside around them.
The center was founded several decades ago with the aim of showing local animals to visitors and raising awareness about wildlife on the island. Over the years, it expanded its offer to allow direct contact between visitors and the animals.
The on-site restaurant serves dishes rooted in Canarian cooking, using local ingredients and recipes tied to the island's food traditions. Eating there gives visitors a direct taste of what people on Tenerife have eaten for generations.
Going in the morning is a good idea, as the animals tend to be more active earlier in the day and the sun is less strong. It is worth checking opening days in advance, as these can change depending on the season.
Camels were brought to the Canary Islands in the 19th century to work as pack animals in farming, carrying goods across rough terrain. This history explains why they remain closely tied to the identity of the islands today.
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