The Zoo de Santillana del Mar is one of the larger zoological parks in the north of Spain, set in attractive grounds on the outskirts of town. It specialises in conservation of endangered species and has a notable collection of iberian wolves, along with big cats including snow leopards and Asiatic lions. The zoo is particularly focused on Iberian fauna and European wildlife conservation programmes.
The parkland setting makes it a reasonable half-day excursion, especially if you are visiting with children. The animals are kept in reasonably spacious enclosures for the most part, and the zoo runs an active breeding programme for several threatened species. It is a popular family destination and can get crowded in summer. Open year-round; the entrance is on the road between Santillana del Mar and the Altamira Museum.