2024 has been an exceptional year for Bioparc Fuengirola, where the park has consolidated its commitment to the protection of biodiversity and animal welfare. Over these twelve months, Bioparc has made significant progress in the conservation of endangered species and has expanded its educational and recreational offering for the public.

The year began with an important step in the protection of the Sri Lankan leopard, one of the most endangered species in the world, with the arrival of Okanda, a vital specimen for the future of this feline in Europe. In March, the park celebrated the first anniversary of the Komodo dragon hatchlings, an exceptional achievement given the complexity of their reproduction in captivity; a success that consolidates Bioparc Fuengirola as one of the few centres in Europe capable of breeding this iconic species. Since the beginning of summer, these little dragons can be observed at the foot of the new plaza presided over by the large armillary sphere. In April, a new male orangutan joined the existing group, reinforcing their work in the fight against the extinction of this critically endangered species. And in May, we welcomed a male giant tortoise from the Galapagos.

In June, twenty-three years after the park opened, Bioparc Fuengirola completed its project with a final extension that recreates the seas, coasts and jungles of Central and South America; a thematic area inspired by the historic first circumnavigation of the world by Juan Sebastián Elcano and the men of the ship Victoria. This new project allows visitors to enjoy the Malaga park from three different perspectives: through the jungles of the world, under the rivers of these same jungles and following the footprints of the infinite journey of Elcano and Magellan.

The summer was full of milestones. In July, they participated in the release of the loggerhead turtles incubated by the Herpetology team, directly contributing to marine conservation. That same month, new flamingo chicks were born, an event expected every year that reflects the quality of the environment and the care provided. In August, they introduced a pair of giant otters, inhabitants of our new area of ​​South America, who have surprised with their adaptation and dynamism.

September brought a new achievement for bird conservation: the hatching of two black-throated hornbill chicks, an endangered species that requires very specific conditions for reproduction. In October, the family expanded again with the arrival of a female red-throated hornbill and a pair of sloths, which have successfully adapted to their new habitat. November was full of positive news: the birthday celebration of Ekan, the little Andalusian gorilla, and the confirmation that the pregnancy of the female Malayan tapir is progressing satisfactorily. This event marks a unique milestone in Spain, as Bioparc Fuengirola is the only park working on the conservation of this species.

Finally, in December, they close the year with the birth of a tiny Goeldi's marmoset, whose appearance symbolises hope for this endangered species. In addition, the park led an international mission to transfer crocodile monitors from Honolulu, ensuring their integration into conservation programmes in Europe.

These achievements reflect Bioparc Fuengirola's commitment to conservation, environmental education and animal welfare. Each action undertaken in 2025 reaffirms our mission to connect people with nature, inspiring love and respect for a planet that needs to be protected.

A circumnavigation route around the globe through its tropical forests

Just as the Spanish explorers did, the extension completed at the beginning of the summer is allowing visitors to discover the rich biodiversity of the reefs, rivers and forests of Central and South America. The experience of touring the park can be done from three different perspectives: through the jungles of the world, under the rivers of these same jungles and following the footprints of the infinite journey of Elcano and Magellan. The fauna and flora already represented in the park were expanded to include those belonging to the tropical zones of Central and South America, thus completing a journey through all the tropical forests of the world, from the depths of the Amazon to the dense forests of the Congo.

Great news that they hope to announce in the coming months: the birth of a baby Malayan tapir

A few weeks ago, Bioparc Fuengirola announced news that marks a turning point in the conservation of the Malayan tapir: its female is pregnant and everything indicates that the process is progressing positively. This fact will become an exceptional achievement in the field of conservation, since it is a species classified as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). In addition, Bioparc Fuengirola is the only park in Spain that is actively working on its preservation.

The birth of a Malayan tapir calf would be great news not only for Bioparc Fuengirola, but for all those who fight to guarantee the future of this emblematic species.