Conserving biodiversity means preserving the future of humanity. The production of food, clothing, medicines, and energy, among other things, will be possible for future generations only if we values the incredible variety of life and repairs the damage caused by human action. The United Nations, in its fundamental role as a promoter of global actions, launches this year the message “Harmony with nature and sustainable development” as the motto of the International Day of Biological Diversity. Joining this initiative and with great determination, the animal preservation parks of Fuengirola, Valencia and Gijón, led by la BIOPARC Foundation They are “nature classrooms” and environmental awareness platforms that, under the criteria of maximum animal welfare, allow visitors to get close to wild species and exotic landscapes to learn about the threats they face.
En BIOPARC Valencia, the commitment to wildlife and its environments is addressed globally, housing more than 6.000 animals of 150 different African species in habitats as diverse as the exotic island of Madagascar, the lush equatorial rainforest, the vast savannah or the wetlands of the Kitum Cave.Most are included in international conservation programs., as is the case of African elephant (African loxodonta), in which the park is successfully participating, giving rise to two births that are also the first in the Valencian Community: Makena, two years old, and Malik, one year old, both of whom bring hope to their species.
Another case is that of chimpanzee verus (Pan troglodytes verus), of which the BIOPARCs in Valencia and Fuengirola host the largest group in Spain. The group's offspring, Djibril, Cala, and Ekon, are a source of optimism for the future of this species and a testament to the center's ongoing efforts to support other critically endangered, little-known but equally important species, such as the Mhorr gazelle and the eastern bongo.
On the Andalusian coast, BIOPARC Fuengirola It is a benchmark for animal conservation around the planet, and in recent weeks a historic event has taken place for the conservation world: the birth of a Malayan tapir, the first baby of this species born in Spain. It can now be seen in the area inspired by the Magellan and Elcano expedition, which recreates natural landscapes of Central and South America, a collapsed cenote, vibrant coral reefs, and a life-size Mayan temple.
Along the way, you can also explore artistic recreations of ecosystems such as the Indo-Pacific, Southeast Asia, the island of Madagascar or equatorial Africa, and learn about other critically endangered species that reside in the center, such as the lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla), Also in this case, together with BIOPARC Valencia, we take care of the most important group in our country, the giant otters (Pteronura brasiliensis), Komodo dragons, and golden-cheeked gibbons. To ensure the survival of these species, BIOPARC Fuengirola is participating in scientifically controlled breeding programs of animals at critical risk of extinction.
At BIOPARC Aquarium in Gijón, we delve deeper into marine nature through the exhibition “Poison: Lethal Nature”, which demonstrates the crucial role of venomous animal species in ecosystems through an informative and educational approach. The exhibition explains how venom has been a survival tool that has allowed these beings to defend themselves, hunt, or avoid predators. Furthermore, knowledge about these organisms has helped medical and pharmacological research, an exhibition of how seemingly hostile species turn out to be necessary and beneficial.
Furthermore, the work of CRAMA (Asturias Marine Animal Recovery Center) is another example of how BIOPARC Gijón Aquarium is involved in species conservation, treating and caring for stranded turtles and seals. Visitors contribute their admission to biodiversity projects like these and will be able to learn about aquatic ecosystems such as coral reefs, the American tropical rainforest, the great African rivers and lakes, and the Atlantic Ocean.
The purpose of all BIOPARCs can be summarized in the motto “educate to conserve.” At a time of such serious loss of life forms, it is necessary to continue educating society as a whole about the importance of maintaining natural balance. This May 22nd, BIOPARC advocates for sustainable development compatible with the care of biological diversity.
