During 2022, different species of animals visited Barcelona by land, air or sea, and during the year that ended, rare fauna was observed in the city.
And the visit of these specimens was strange, since it was thought that after the pandemic, they would return to their natural habitats.
Birds that looked like “penguins”, sharks, donkeys, sheep, wild boars, among other animals, visited Barcelona throughout 2022.
Animals that visited Barcelona last year
The year 2022 was a year in which the city saw the presence of unusual animals to be seen in this region.
Barcelona was the scene of a curious open-air zoo, where it was possible to appreciate the wonderful variety of fauna in an urban space or nearby beaches.
Country life moved to the city.
Wild boars
One of the best examples was the unexpected presence and visit of wild boars. They became the new Barcelonians who settled in the Catalan capital.
Although wild boars are seen in Barcelona, last year the city welcomed a good number of these animals, which was unusual.
Sharks
Another species that made its presence felt last summer was the mako shark, the fastest cetacean in the world.
It was a nightmare for many bathers and rightly so, because it was sighted in the waters of Garraf. But for the academics it was an event because for the first time they were able to record it after more than 10 years of study.
The mako shark can reach 70 km/h (43 mph). and is in danger of extinction.
Another species of shark was spotted in the Sitges beach area, which led to the evacuation of the area. Experts indicated that it was not the same specimen, it was another one and asked not to spread alarms.
Sheep and donkeys
A herd of eleven donkeys was present in the Collserola Natural Park. By grazing they helped reduce the risk of fire and expect to do so by about 15 hectares a year to increase biodiversity and clean up the environment.
In March 2022, a flock of 150 sheep also arrived to graze the area and prevent fires in the Natural Park.
The second largest whale in the world in the Barceloneta area
The 40-ton, 24-meter-long rorqual whale (the size of two buses), was sighted last year in May. She was seen making a monumental leap about 10 miles away from the Port of Barcelona.
Fake penguins who also visited Barcelona
The Alca torda birds bid farewell to 2022. With the appearance of penguins, they settled in the waters of the harbor and nearby areas. They came foraging from northern Europe migrating to warmer waters.
The zoo asked not to disturb them. Perhaps they will return this year.
