No, owning a kangaroo in Spain is prohibited under the Real Decreto 630/2013, which classifies exotic species like macropods as “non-domestic” and restricts their private ownership. The Ley 42/2007 on biodiversity further enforces this by requiring permits for species listed in Annex IV of the EU Habitats Directive, where kangaroos are included. Violations may trigger fines up to €200,000 under regional environmental laws, with enforcement overseen by the Ministerio para la Transición Ecológica y el Reto Demográfico (MITECO) and autonomous communities like Catalonia, which have tightened controls in 2024.
Key Regulations for Owning a Kangaroo in Spain
- CITES Permit Requirement: Kangaroos fall under CITES Appendix II, mandating import permits from the Servicio de Protección de la Naturaleza (SEPRONA) of the Guardia Civil, even for captive-bred specimens.
- Regional Bans: Autonomous communities such as Andalusia and the Balearic Islands have enacted stricter local ordinances, outright prohibiting possession without exception.
- Zoo or Sanctuary Exemptions: Only facilities accredited by Asociación Española de Zoos y Acuarios (AEZA) or registered with MITECO may legally hold kangaroos, subject to annual inspections.