Loro Parque: a zoo, a research centre, a sanctuary
When we talk about the LoroParque in Tenerife , the first thing that comes to mind are the parrot shows riding bicycles. It’s normal; when the park opened its doors in 1972, its 150 parrots left an entire generation speechless with the first show of this genre in Europe.
Today, 45 years later, the park has increased its size tenfold (135,000 m2), has greatly increased its animal “workforce” and has received a whopping 50 million visitors. In fact, it has been chosen twice (2017 and 2018) as the best zoo in the world by Tripadvisor users.
Leisure is just one of the facets of Loro Parque
In addition, the park’s activities have changed and diversified. In fact, it is much more than a zoo: its botanical collection is truly impressive; It is a centre for the conservation of endangered species and a leading zoological research; and it has made environmental sustainability one of its raisons d’être.
Probably, when Wolfgang Kiessling (current president and owner of the park) and his father arrived in Puerto de la Cruz, on the north coast of the island of Tenerife, they did not imagine that their small park would end up becoming a world reference in terms of leisure, but also in terms of conservation of cetaceans and psittacines. captive breeding programs, sustainability…
What are we going to find at Loro Parque?
Thousands of animals, numerous spaces and environments, more than a dozen experiences and a lot of facilities will make your visit to Loro Parque an experience that you will remember forever with affection.
The list of species hosted at the Loro Parque in Tenerife is too long to refer to in detail; no less than 25 species considered exotic. Among others, you will find orcas, dolphins, jaguars, alligators, lions, tigers, gorillas, chimpanzees, iguanas, sloths, anteaters, lemurs, meerkats, turtles, … and even red pandas at the Loro Parque!
The reproduction of these natural habitats of these species is not an easy task, but it is attempted in the multiple facilities of the park, which has 100 aviaries, the largest dolphinarium in Europe (until the Oceanogràfic of Valencia arrived), Tiger Island, Chimpland, Planet Penguin, an enviable orchid, an aquarium with the largest methacrylate cylinder in the world, enclosures for different species…
The park offers thirteen very different exhibits. Some are focused on different animals, such as Planet Penguin, but others have a different orientation. Naturavisión is a cinema aimed at environmental awareness. At Baby Station we can learn about parrot breeding and other laboratory activities. And the Porcelain Museum… It’s an incredible collection of parrot figures!
In addition, we can be almost totally sure that the weather is favourable to us; the weather in Loro Parque is typical of the climate of Puerto de la Cruz: pleasant, mild, slightly humid and occasionally cloudy. It could not be otherwise in an archipelago privileged in that as in so many other ways.
Environmental and ecological commitment as a hallmark of Loro Parque
Fully aware of the threats to animal life on our planet today, the LoroParque de Tenerife has taken on its mission to protect endangered species,contribute to conserving their ecosystems and promote sustainable contact between man and animals.
Thus, as a true embassy for wild animals, the park’s efforts through its Foundation have earned it (among many other tourism sustainability awards) the recognition of the American Humane Association, the British ABTA or the Institute of Responsible Tourism, praising its work in favor of animal welfare.
Some of the good practices implemented in Loro Parque are the elimination of single-use plastic in its facilities, the production of organic crops for the feed of its animals and its own photovoltaic power plant in the south of the island.
Loro Parque in Tenerife participates in two European programmes for the recovery of endangered species (EEP and ESB), and has distinguished itself in the cases of some critically endangered parrot species. It also collaborates with different universities and NGOs of the Canary archipelago.
In addition, Loro Parque isaffiliated with various zoological entities, such as EAZA, AIZA, WAZA and EAAM. In these associations, the prevailing A concept of “modern zoo” in which the preservation of wildlife and the education of the public is as important, if not more so, than leisure and spectacle.
"You don't know yourself until you catch the reflection of eyes other than human" – Loren Eiseley
Get up close and personal with wildlife in the unique setting of Loro Parque
Many of the visitors who come to Tenerife do so wanting to discover and explore the important and varied natural heritage of the island. It is logical ; it is a privileged enclave where Nature sports, dreamy landscapes and wildlife are all within easy reach.
For all that and because it is a truly unique experience, we recommend that you do not miss this on your next visit. Getyour tickets to Loro Parque as soon as possible for you and your family and enjoy a day of leisure in contact with some animal species that you will not be able to find elsewhere.
A garden of dragon trees and other plants from Macaronesia, impressive hippos in its ponds, impeccable facilities and, of course, hundreds of parrots await you. You will see how you won’t forget your time at the Loro Parque in Tenerife in a long, long time…