Central America and the Caribbean

This diverse border region separates the two Americas. The animals of Central America and the Caribbean can be seen in the American continent thematic area at Madrid Zoo Aquarium. The fauna and flora in Central America include individuals from the north and south, as well as endemic specimens. The fact that it is an intermediate region between two continents and two large oceanic areas makes it a fabulous territory; Costa Rica is especially striking: it is home to 5% of the world's biodiversity. Endemism is therefore very high in an area of the world where we find countries like Guatemala (almost 20% of whose territory is protected).

Within the collection of animals in Central America and the Caribbean, the anteater appears as one of the most extraordinary species that can be seen at Madrid Zoo. Not only is it one of the oldest mammals on the planet, this creature, related to armadillos and sloths, is a true oddity in the terrestrial environment. Green turtles (Chelonia mydas), meanwhile, are reptiles typical of the Caribbean Sea, and can be seen at the Zoo, although they also inhabit tropical and subtropical oceans around the world.