Loro Parque

Loro Parque opened in 1972 as a parrot park and grew into one of the largest zoos in Spain, holding what is described as the world's biggest collection of parrot species and subspecies, several thousand birds, alongside gorillas, chimpanzees, big cats, penguins in a refrigerated hall and an aquarium. Its foundation funds parrot conservation projects and has been credited with helping several species back from very low numbers. It also keeps orcas and bottlenose dolphins in show tanks, and that has made it a focus of sustained international criticism, including a European Parliament debate and documentaries; the park defends the programme on research and education grounds. Visitors who object to cetacean captivity should know before buying a ticket.

What you actually see

• The parrot collection - thousands of birds across hundreds of species.
• The penguin hall - a refrigerated enclosure with snow and diving pools.
• The aquarium - shark tunnel and reef displays.
• The cetacean shows - orca and dolphin performances, the park's contested element.

When to go

Year-round; Tenerife's north is mild in all seasons though wetter than the south. School holidays and cruise days bring the largest crowds. Shows run to a fixed daily timetable.

Honest expectations

The orca and dolphin programme draws serious and sustained criticism from marine biologists and welfare organisations, and several animals have died in the collection. Tickets are expensive. The park is large and a full day is needed.

Nearby

Puerto de la Cruz and the Lago Martianez pools are alongside; the Orotava valley rises behind.