Founded in 1972 in Puerto de la Cruz, Loro Parque is home to the world's largest collection of parrots — over 3,000 individuals — and pools for orcas, dolphins, sea lions, penguins and gorillas. Regularly ranked best zoo in the world by TripAdvisor. The Loro Parque Foundation funds species protection programs in around twenty countries in parallel.
Orca Ocean — 12 million litre pool, shows several times a day. Planet Penguin — air-conditioned tunnel at -1°C with Humboldt penguins. Gorilla Garden — family of Western lowland gorillas in semi-natural space. TigerLand — white and orange tigers. Orca and dolphin shows have free numbered seating — reserve upon entry.
On weekdays before 10am, the park is almost empty. After 11am on weekends, queues for orca shows get quite long. Bring a light sweater — Planet Penguin is at -1°C. Parking is paid (€7) but 5 minutes walking from the zoo.