With the arrival of a new cold wave expected, BIOPARC Fuengirola continues with its special animal welfare protocol, a set of measures that are activated every winter to ensure that all species in the park are comfortable, protected and in perfect condition, even when temperatures drop.
Although the Costa del Sol enjoys a mild climate, far removed from the harsh winters of other parts of the country, the park's technical team works proactively and individually, adapting facilities, management practices, and feeding to the needs of each species. The goal is clear: to ensure the animals experience winter with comfort, tranquility, and guaranteed well-being.
Tailored heat for each species
Reptiles are especially sensitive to temperature drops, so the Herpetology team reinforces the heating systems during this period. Nile crocodiles, dwarf crocodiles, and tomizoans have heated enclosures; in the case of Nile and dwarf crocodiles, they also have outdoor basking areas, as they tend to be more active outdoors than tomizoans. In all cases, during the colder months, they reduce their metabolic activity and are not fed.
Giant tortoises have heated indoor areas, radiant floors, and outdoor heating pads that allow them to access warmer spots when conditions are optimal for going outside. They do not go outside when the temperature drops below 14 degrees Celsius.
In the case of Komodo dragons, management is even adjusted individually: the female has permanent access to warm indoors when temperatures drop, the male avoids going out if it is below 18 degrees, and the young have access to warm air at night and elevated heat spots during the day.
In general, all reptiles, amphibians, and arthropods in the park have heat lamps, heating pads, and additional heat sources during the colder months, always depending on the specific needs of each species, since some of them are naturally adapted to lower temperatures.
Warm shelters and freedom of choice
From the Zoology Department, BIOPARC Fuengirola is reinforcing the heated areas in the enclosures for gorillas, orangutans, chimpanzees, tapirs, binturongs, lemurs, and river geckos, as well as in unique spaces like the Great Mayan Pyramid, which is part of its latest expansion. In addition to these measures, the giant otter enclosure is kept heated at a constant temperature of 20 degreesguaranteeing your comfort during the coldest days.
Some outdoor enclosures also have localized heating, such as the glass in the gorilla enclosure or the radiators in the tapir area, and the park continues to expand these improvements progressively.
The heating systems are varied—underfloor heating, stoves, ceiling radiators, and more intense heat sources—and are always monitored by the technical team. Furthermore, the animals have the freedom to choose: if it rains and is cold, as is the case with the gorillas, they are given access to indoor spaces and they decide when to go outside or stay sheltered.
Winter menus: hot broths and energy boosters
Winter care isn't limited to temperature. Nutrition plays a key role and is one of the aspects that attracts the most attention each year. During cold spells, the team adjusts diets with a slight calorie boost, vitamin supplements, and foods designed to help maintain energy and immunity.
These measures include hot broths, infusions and special preparations, an initiative that has become one of the most endearing images of winter at BIOPARC Fuengirola and that reflects the extent to which animal welfare guides every decision of the park.
Thanks to this comprehensive protocol—which combines infrastructure, daily management, and nutrition—the animals at BIOPARC Fuengirola face the winter in optimal conditions, without stress, and always respecting their biological needs and natural behavior. Once again, the park demonstrates that when the temperature drops, its commitment to animal welfare increases even further.
