Back To Nature
A review of the wildlife park in the north of the island appeared recently in the UK press:
I first visited Tenerife way before the island was associated with Lineker’s bar, when timeshares were rife and karaoke a new experience. So when I was invited to check out a wildlife park in the relatively chilled north, I was more than happy to go back and see if an authentic experience is still possible at what is often dismissed as just a sun and sand destination.
Loro Parque in the popular Puerto de la Cruz (a town that still has nothing on touristy Playa des Americas) opened in 1972 with just a small collection of parrots. Today it is a zoo, aquarium, theme park and education facility, rivalling some of the best Florida has to offer. Set in 135,000sqm it is also piped as one of the most exciting wildlife sites in Europe.
However, I am here to see their newest addition, a free-flight aviary that is home to an extremely noisy collection of cockatoos, kookaburras, pheasants, thrushes, fruit doves and parrots – very impressive considering its original and rather humble gathering of feathered species back in the 1970s. The 27m-high structure is set in lush tropical vegetation and the network of treetop walks and hanging bridges allows me to encounter some of the 120 tropical birds in their natural habitat. I’m no bird enthusiast but I do appreciate the Spix’s macaw. Originally from Brazil, they have been extinct in the wild since 2000 and are now the rarest birds in the world. A collaboration with Brazil’s wildlife agency has seen the last wild male protected, with funds of £450,000 donated to help preserve the species.
Although I enjoy hanging out with my new squawking feathered friends, they do hit the same volume levels as the Paris Opera House (the park actually measured it) so it was a relief to spend time with the rare white – and reasonably quiet – Bengal tiger. The seven male gorillas, living a truly bachelor lifestyle with their heated bedroom floors, are also worth a visit.
Loro Parque is one of three natural attractions in Tenerife. Siam Park is one of Europe’s newest and biggest water parks. Don’t be put off by the naffly-named rides – the Tower of Power isn’t as bad as it sounds. You will reach up to 40kph on this 28m freefall kamikaze ride just before you enter a clear flume through a shark pool.
To read the full article click here
For a map of Tenerife visit yourtenerife.net
