Tenerife is an incredibly diverse destination that offers not only paradisiacal beaches and volcanic landscapes, but also a wide range of attractions for wildlife enthusiasts.
The island is home to some of Europe’s most fascinating zoos and animal parks, each with its own charm and unique features. Here is a complete guide to Tenerife’s main animal parks: Loro Parque, Monkey Park, Jungle Park, and Camel Park. This article will detail the main attractions and what you can expect from each of these places.
Loro Park
Location
Loro Parque is located in Puerto de la Cruz, in the northern area of Tenerife. It is surrounded by tropical gardens and offers spectacular views of the coast and the sea.
History and Evolution
Loro Parque opened its doors in 1972 as a small park dedicated to parrots, with only 25,000 m². Since then, it has grown to become one of the world’s most respected and well-known zoos, covering over 135,000 m² and housing more than 4,000 animals from 400 different species. The park has received multiple awards for its work in conservation, research, and education.
Main Attractions
Orca Show
Orca Ocean is one of Loro Parque’s biggest attractions, where you can enjoy a show with highly trained orcas. The park hosts a family of orcas that interact with their caregivers in a performance that aims to educate and raise awareness about the preservation of these impressive marine creatures.
Planet Penguin
This is one of the largest and most advanced penguin habitats in the world. With controlled temperature and artificial snow, Planet Penguin recreates an Antarctic environment for a colony of penguins from various species, including emperors and king penguins.
Aquarium
Loro Parque’s aquarium features a glass tunnel that allows walking among sharks, rays, and other exotic fish. It is one of the most popular spots for visitors and offers a spectacular visual experience.
Dolphin and Sea Lion Shows
In addition to orcas, Loro Parque also offers dolphin and sea lion shows, which are fun and informative.
Katandra Treetops
This attraction allows walking through a huge aviary where birds fly free. Here you can see parrots, cockatoos, and other exotic birds in their natural environment.
Zoological Garden
Although Loro Parque started as a parrot park, today it houses a wide variety of animals, including tigers, jaguars, chimpanzees, gorillas, and giant tortoises.
Commitment to Conservation
Loro Parque is deeply committed to conservation and research. The park supports conservation projects around the world through the Loro Parque Foundation, one of the most important nonprofit organizations dedicated to the protection of endangered species.
Monkey Park
Location
Monkey Park is located in the south of Tenerife, near Los Cristianos, and is a popular destination for those seeking a more intimate experience with animals.
Main Focus
Unlike larger zoos like Loro Parque, Monkey Park is a specialized zoo, focused primarily on primates, though it also houses other small animals. It is known as the «contact zoo,» where visitors have the opportunity to interact with the animals.
Main Attractions
Lemurs
The lemurs at Monkey Park are one of the visitors’ favorite attractions. You can enter their enclosures and get up close to these charismatic animals. It’s a unique experience for wildlife lovers, as lemurs are usually very friendly and curious.
Monkeys
As its name suggests, Monkey Park houses a wide variety of monkeys, from small tamarins to large primates like chimpanzees. The monkeys live in environments specially designed for them, where they can climb and play freely.
Reptiles and Birds
In addition to primates, Monkey Park has a collection of reptiles, including snakes and turtles, as well as a section of exotic birds where you can observe parrots and budgerigars.
Zoo of Contact
What makes Monkey Park unique is the possibility of interacting with the animals. Visitors are allowed to feed some species under supervision, which provides an interactive and educational experience.
Commitment to Conservation
Although it is a smaller zoo, Monkey Park is also committed to conservation and animal welfare. The park participates in breeding and conservation programs to help endangered species of primates and birds.
Jungle Park
Location
Jungle Park is located in the south of Tenerife, near Arona, and is known for its lush tropical setting and focus on birds of prey.
Park Features
Jungle Park is immersed in an artificial jungle with over 75,000 m² of tropical vegetation. The park’s paths are surrounded by waterfalls, tunnels, and suspension bridges, creating an atmosphere of adventure. This park is a combination of a zoo and an amusement park, with a diverse offering of shows and activities for all ages.
Main Attractions
Birds of Prey Show
One of Jungle Park’s main attractions is its birds of prey show. Falcons, eagles, and vultures display their flying skills while trainers educate visitors about the importance of conserving these species.
Big Cats
The park houses an impressive collection of felines, including tigers, lions, and leopards. Visitors can observe them in enclosures designed to replicate their natural habitats.
Monkeys and Gorillas
Jungle Park also has a variety of primates, such as capuchin monkeys and gorillas, which live in environments that mimic their natural jungle habitat.
Toboggans and Sled Track
Jungle Park is not just a zoo; it also offers fun activities like a sled track and toboggans for the more adventurous. It’s a park designed for family enjoyment.
Commitment to Conservation
Jungle Park works on the conservation of endangered species and participates in breeding programs to ensure the survival of some of the world’s most vulnerable species.
Camel Park
Location
Camel Park is located between Los Cristianos and Arona, in the south of Tenerife, and is a park focused on the unique experience of camel riding.
Park Features
Unlike the other zoos, Camel Park specializes in camels and other farm animal species. It is an ideal attraction for those looking for a different activity on the island and want to learn more about these fascinating animals.
Main Attractions
Camel Rides
The main attraction of Camel Park is the opportunity to ride camels. Visitors can enjoy rides through the surroundings while discovering the tranquility and slow pace of these animals.
Farm Animals
In addition to camels, the park houses a small collection of farm animals such as horses, donkeys, and goats. Children can interact with them and learn more about rural life.
Traditional Restaurant
Camel Park also features a restaurant where visitors can taste traditional Canarian food, making it a perfect spot for a family getaway.
If you want to know if Tenerife is safe to travel, don’t miss this article: Is Tenerife a Safe Place to Visit?