Located in the heart of the Costa del Sol, Bioparc Fuengirola is a safe haven for the welfare and conservation of different animal species. When the temperatures start to rise in the summer, the park becomes a refuge not only for the animals, but also for visitors keen to find a cool place to spend the day. Two fundamental ways of dealing with the rising temperatures at Bioparc are controlling the temperature and looking after the plant life, which plays a crucial role in protecting the animals at this time of the year. Keep reading to discover more about what life is like at Bioparc in the summer.
Bioparc, a cool oasis in the summer
Mindful that the hot summer temperatures can cause the animals significant stress, Bioparc Fuengirola has put together a strategy to make sure that every species is protected and feels at ease throughout the season. A series of special protocols have been laid out to ensure that the 200 species the park houses enjoy comfortable temperatures. Ventilation and vaporising systems, for example, control the humidity levels and temperature of the facilities, creating a cooler environment for the park’s inhabitants as well as its visitors.
Source: Bioparc Fuengirola
Bioparc Fuengirola also understands the vital importance of water for the animals. The park has over 2,200m³ of fresh water in its waterfalls, rivers, swamps and wetlands. These water ecosystems not only provide a source of hydration, but they also help regulate the temperature of the park.
The importance of plants and habitats
Plants play a fundamental role in regulating the ambient temperature at Bioparc Fuengirola. The habitats, which faithfully recreate tropical rainforests from around the world, are not only beneficial to the animals, but they also help reduce the ambient temperature by about 3°C. This makes Bioparc an excellent option for a day out with your friends and family during your summer holidays in the Costa del Sol.
In the words of Bioparc Fuengirola’s management, “recreating natural habitats is an essential part of the park’s philosophy”. Doing do provides the animals with a living environment that is just like their natural home and creates an environment that keeps them feeling cool and comfortable, even on the hottest days of the year.
Source: Bioparc Fuengirola
The Bioparc project: conservation and education
Bioparc Fuengirola is part of an ambitious conservation and educational project entitled BIOPARC. The organisation seeks to recreate the natural habitats of the species it protects and raise awareness about biodiversity and the importance of conservation. Opened in 2001, Bioparc Fuengirola became the first zoo in Europe to be based on the concept of immersion exhibit. By recreating ecosystems, this type of zoo gives visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the naturescapes of places around the world and enables the animals to live in very similar conditions to those of their place of origin.
Unlike other zoos, Bioparc is therefore a place where visitors cannot only see the animals, but also experience the wilderness of nature. The aim of Bioparc is to educate, raise awareness and help conserve endangered species.
Commitment to conservation
Beyond offering visitors a unique experience, Bioparc Fuengirola is committed to conserving endangered species through schemes such as the EAZA Ex-situ Programme (EEP). Legendary animals such as the Bornean orangutan, Sumatran tiger and Komodo dragon are safe at Bioparc, a place where they are conserved and can reproduce.
Source: Bioparc Fuengirola
But Bioparc Fuengirola’s commitment to conservation doesn’t end there: the park takes part in over 50 ex situ conservation programmes. The projects are run by the BIOPARC foundation in collaboration with international zoo associations and seeks to preserve species at risk of extinction.
Special measures for the summer
The Bioparc Fuengirola team is making every effort to provide the animals with a whole host of special treatments in the summer. They’ve come up with some original ideas to battle the high temperatures such as, for example, preparing different ice creams for different species. From meat and blood ice creams for felines to colourful fruit sorbets, the ice creams provide not only hydration, but they also stimulate the senses and natural instincts of the fluffy and feathery creatures. Tigers, leopards, gorillas and hippopotamus, among others, enjoy this delicious nutritious treat during the summer.
Source: Bioparc Fuengirola
With an eye to the future, Bioparc Fuengirola continues to be a beacon of hope and education, inspiring generations present and future to appreciate, respect and preserve the planet’s rich biodiversity. This summer, the park is an example of how being committed to nature and innovation can create a safe haven. If you’re planning a getaway to the Costa del Sol, make sure you come and visit this extraordinary oasis.
