Loro Parque
Canarias
Loro Parque, located near Puerto de la Cruz on Tenerife, Spain, is one of the Canary Islands' most popular attractions. Founded in 1972 by Wolfgang Kiessling, it began as a small sanctuary for parrots and has grown into a sprawling 135,000 m² zoo housing around 4,000 parrots from 350 species, making it the largest parrot collection worldwide. Beyond parrots, the park hosts a wide array of animals including dolphins, orcas, jaguars, gorillas, penguins, and sea lions. The park is notable for its educational and conservation efforts, with a dedicated foundation supporting wildlife preservation. Visitors can enjoy various animal shows, including the pioneering free-flight parrot show in Europe, as well as dolphin, sea lion, and orca performances. The park also features themed areas such as the Orca Ocean and Planet Penguin exhibits. Loro Parque combines entertainment with environmental awareness, offering a unique experience blending animal diversity, spectacular shows, and tropical vegetation in a family-friendly setting.
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Tip: Visit Loro Parque during the morning or early afternoon to catch multiple animal shows, including the popular parrot and orca performances. Booking tickets online in advance is recommended to avoid queues and to access available discounts. The park is especially enjoyable during weekdays or outside peak holiday seasons for a more relaxed experience. Consider arriving early to explore the extensive exhibits fully and to attend educational talks. Families will appreciate the variety of animal shows tailored for all ages.
Interesting facts
- •Loro Parque houses the largest collection of parrots in the world, with approximately 4,000 individuals representing 350 species and subspecies.
- •The park received its first orcas in 2006 on loan from SeaWorld and has since become a center for orca care and breeding in Europe.
- •Loro Parque was recognized by TripAdvisor as the Best Zoo in the World for two consecutive years.
- •The park features the largest metacrylate cylinder in the world for its penguin exhibit, housing 7,000 fish.
- •Loro Parque was founded by Wolfgang Kiessling, who also established Siam Park, Europe's largest water park, on Tenerife.
History
Loro Parque was founded in 1972 by Wolfgang Kiessling with an initial area of 13,000 m² and about 150 parrots.
Over the years, it expanded significantly, reaching 135,000 m² and diversifying its animal collection to include species like alligators, gorillas, and big cats.
Key milestones include the opening of Europe's largest dolphinarium in 1987, the establishment of the Orca Ocean exhibit in 2006, and the foundation of Loro Parque Fundación in 1994 to support conservation.
The park has continuously developed new exhibits and attractions, maintaining its reputation as a leading zoological and conservation institution in the Canary Islands.
Place Guide
Orca Ocean2006
A large aquatic exhibit dedicated to orcas, featuring educational displays and daily orca shows that highlight the behaviors and intelligence of these marine mammals.
Planet Penguin1999
An innovative exhibit featuring penguins in a climate-controlled environment with the world's largest metacrylate cylinder, allowing visitors to observe the penguins underwater.
Loro Show1984
Europe's first free-flight parrot show, established in 1984, showcasing the intelligence and beauty of various parrot species in flight.
Dolphinarium1987
The largest dolphinarium in Europe, hosting daily dolphin shows that educate visitors about dolphin behavior and conservation.
Contact
Phone: 922 37 38 41
