In a corner of the Costa del Sol, where visitors are immersed in biologically recreated rainforests, a quiet and constant effort is at work. Bioparc Fuengirola, recognized for its commitment to the conservation of endangered species, has become a European benchmark in the management, welfare, and reproduction of [animals/animals]. Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis), the largest reptile on the planet.
Recently, the Iberian Association of Wild Animal Caretakers (AICAS) published an interview and technical article in which Milagros RobledoThe head of Herpetology at Bioparc Fuengirola details the daily work of care, observation, and environmental enrichment required by this species. Her words reflect a philosophy that combines scientific knowledge, sensitivity, and dedication: a model of animal welfare that inspires other European zoos.
In this text, Robledo shares the complexity of caring for a reptile that can exceed three meters in length and seventy kilos in weight, but which also needs stimuli, medical training routines, and spaces that respect its natural behavior. “Animal welfare is not just about meeting their basic needs, but about offering them opportunities to express natural behaviors.” Explain.
Conservation as a mission and human bond
Under his leadership, the Herpetology team has achieved milestones unthinkable just a few years ago, such as cooperative medical training in reptiles, performing ultrasounds without the need for sedation, and adapting facilities to reproduce the exact conditions of their natural habitats.
Milagros Robledo speaks of the connection that arises with each individual and the power of education to change perceptions. “Caring for a reptile is about understanding its rhythm, not imposing our own.” He affirms, noting that transforming the public's view of them is as important as achieving their scientific reproduction.
At Bioparc, conservation goes far beyond what visitors see. Each project is part of a global effort to ensure the survival of endangered species and to change public perceptions of them.“Reptiles don’t usually inspire tenderness, and yet their ecological role is crucial. Educating people to understand them is one of the most effective ways to protect them.” Robledo insists.
Bioparc Fuengirola actively participates in the European Endangered Species Programmes (EEP)collaborating with scientific institutions and zoos across the continent. Thanks to this joint work, the park maintains healthy and genetically valuable populations of unique species such as the emerald monitor lizard (Varanus prasinus), the green monitor lizard or the protagonist of this note: the imposing Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis).
A birth that marked a turning point
2023 marked a turning point: Bioparc Fuengirola achieved the birth of five Komodo dragons —Juanito, Fénix, Embum, Drakaris, and Saya—, the first in a decade in Spain and one of the few cases recorded in Europe. The success was the result of years of observation and planning, which included clinical monitoring of the female, controlled incubation, and meticulous environmental design.
Today, four of those hatchlings continue to develop normally under the supervision of the technical team. Juanito, the smallest, died shortly after birth due to developmental problems, a stark reminder of the complexity and delicate nature of this process. Each individual that grows successfully represents progress for the conservation of the species, of which only about 1.500 remain in the wild.
Each birth is a victory for the species, but also a reminder of its fragility. Bioparc Fuengirola's work with the Komodo dragon goes beyond mere exhibition: it is a constant effort of observation, recording, and adaptation. Keepers employ positive reinforcement handling protocols, through which the animals voluntarily cooperate during medical examinations, checkups, or enclosure transfers. This methodology reduces stress and improves the animals' quality of life, strengthening the bond between the animal and its keeper.
The park actively participates in the European Endangered Species Program (EEP) The Komodo dragon project is a joint effort between accredited zoos that seeks to guarantee genetically healthy populations and promote scientific research. In this context, Bioparc Fuengirola's experience has become a benchmark in animal welfare and reproduction, demonstrating that science and empathy can go hand in hand.
