Loro Parque (meaning Parrot Park in Spanish) is located in the north of the island of Tenerife on the outskirts of Puerto de la Cruz, covering some 13.5 hectares (33 acres) of land, it is home to a wide range of animals, birds and species of plants.
Opened in 1972, when it covered just 1.3 hectares (3.3 acres) by Wolfgang Kiessling with 150 parrots, (the original conception being a Paradise for Parrots – hence the name!), it has grown in to one of the biggest Tenerife attractions, having received over 40 million visitors.
The park now houses some 4000 parrots which represent 350 different species as well as other animals including dolphins, penguins, sea lions, jaguars, tigers, alligators and gorillas plus various sharks and orca whales. The parrot collection is the largest in the world and the park is recognised as a worldwise point of reference in the study of these animals as well as their conservation. For plant lovers there is a large orchid garden with many rare plants.
The park holds European records for the largest dolphin show pool and the longest shark tunnel, and a worldwide record for the largest indoor penguin exhibition. It is also only the second place in Europe to house orcas and houses the largest Thai village outside of Thailand.
Described as the “must” see of Tenerife, the park opens daily at 08.30 until 18.45 with the following shows taking place each day – sea lions (5 times daily), parrots (6 times daily), orca show (3 times daily) and dolphins (4 times daily). Other attractions the children’s playground “Kinderlandia,” Gambian Market, a parrot baby station, a huge parrot museum and many restaurants.
