VIII. INTERNATIONAL PARROT CONVENTION: First-rate repercussions ANIMAL EMBASSY: Loro Parque Fundación
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Nº 105 - 2014
The Newsletter of Loro Parque Fundación
VIII. INTERNATIONAL
PARROT CONVENTION:
First-rate repercussions
ANIMAL EMBASSY:
21st Century concept
LPF GIVES US$ 1 MILLION
for conservation in 2015
Nº 104 - 2014
Nº 105 - 2014
COLLEAGUE ORGANIZATIONS the newsletter of loro parque fundación
índice:
INDEX
Mensaje del fundador. ...................................................2
Message from the Founder............................................2
Aprende sobre la biodiversidad en zoos/acuarios...........3 Message from the Founder
We highlight
Loro Parque se une con Futouris...................................4
First-rate
La verdadrepercussions from our Convention.................3
sobre Morgan...............................................6
“Animal
ObituarioEmbassy”: 21 century
- Neville Connors. concept.........................7
...........................................7
Cyanopsitta is printed using environment friendly, recycled, woodfree coated paper: Symbol Freelife Satin©, FEDRIGONI©
LPF giveseuropeos
Experto US$ 1 million in 2015.
de la EAAM en...................................8
Loro Parque...............7 The world has an abundance of zoological parks and water parks. In
LP/SP
Day to Noticias. .............................................................9
Day.................................................................10 fact, public visitation to zoos and aquaria alone exceeds 700 million visits
LPF Noticias................................................................15
Our Parks each year. That equals 10% of the global human population! And out of
La colección de loros: noticias....................................17
We receive the top honours.........................................13
20 años de Loro Parque Fundación..............................21 all those zoos and water parks, which are the best ones? Well, as you
Ambassadors
Por qué no deberías perderte el Congreso...................24 will read in this edition of our newsletter, according to Trip Advisor, the
Actualización de los proyectos....................................25
Gorillas.......................................................................16 visitors have no doubt: Loro Parque and Siam Park rise to the top of the
Visitas........................................................................17
Orcas.. a proyectos......................................................28 list. Together with the Hotel Botánico, our parks have eclipsed similar
Projects.....................................................................18
attractions, which often have more ample budgets and a longer history.
Parrot
PORTADA: care.................................................................25
Our customers have expressed their satisfaction and confidence in the
Agapornis organizations
Colleague nigrigenis - Louise Warburton
BirdLife International...................................................34
quality of our facilities and service, not only for them, but also for the
OFICINA EDITORIAL: animals under our care.
Cover Page:S.A.
Loro Parque
Striated Lorikeet
38400 Puerto de(Charmosyna
la Cruz multistriata) Loro Parque gives the visitors the best possible window onto nature,
Tenerife, Islas Canarias. España
editorial office: and this is attained through dedication and expertise, committing the
Tel.: +34 922 374 081 - Fax: +34 922 373 110
Loro Parque S.A. technological and other resources to achieve excellence in animal
E-mail: lpf@loroparque-fundacion.org
38400 Puerto de la Cruz welfare. In this sense, Loro Parque is an embassy for animals, where the
Tenerife, Islas Canarias. España animals that the visitors see are healthy ambassadors for the preservation
ASESORA
Tel.: +34 922 EDITORIAL:
374 081 - Fax: +34 922 373 110
Rosemary
E-mail: Low
lpf@loroparque-fundacion.org
of their own kind in the wild. The new exhibition in the park, "Animal
Embassy", is the clearest expression of this concept, also allowing the
editorial consultant:
COMITÉ EDITORIAL: visitors to discover the Loro Parque Fundación and its conservation
Rosemary Low Juan Cornejo,
Javier Almunia, activities in the wild throughout the world.
Wolfgang Kiessling,
editorial commitee: David Waugh
y Rafael
Javier Zamora.Juan Cornejo,
Almunia, With the support of Loro Parque, the Loro Parque Fundación each year
Wolfgang Kiessling, David Waugh
yVISITA
RafaelNUESTRAS
Zamora. WEBS:
contributes major funding to these conservation activities, and in this
www.loroparque-fundacion.org newsletter you can read that once again it will provide more than US$1
visit our WEBSite:
www.loroparque.com million to conservation in 2015, and the important projects that will be
www.loroparque-fundacion.org
www.facebook.com/loroparquefundacion
www.loroparque.com
carried out. The beneficial effects of these projects are multiplied through
www.facebook.com/loroparque
www.facebook.com/loroparquefundacion the numerous partnerships that the Loro Parque Fundación conducts with
www.facebook.com/loroparque other major conservation entities, mention of one, BirdLife International,
AFILIACIÓN:
Hágase miembro de Loro Parque Fundación para
membership:
being made in these pages. BirdLife International is a previous winner
ayudarnos en nuestras actividades. Como miembro, of Loro Parque’s ‘Premio Gorilla’ (Gorilla Prize), and the most recent
recibirá nuestro
Become a member boletín Cyanopsitta
of Loro y una tarjeta
Parque Fundación to de socio
support winner, the Association of British Travel Agents, represents yet another
queinleour
us permite entrarYou
activities. a LorowillParque.
then receive our newsletter
Cyanopsitta, as well as a supporter´s card permitting
professional alliance, for the good of people, animals and nature.
Las tarifas actuales para la suscripción son:
free entry to Loro Parque during the validity of your
membership and a visit to our breeding centre. The
Adulto.............................................................. 100,00 €
current annual membership fees are:
Niño................................................................... 50,00 €
Socio...............................................................
Adult. 100,00 €€
Vitalicio............................................... 1.500,00
Children............................................................. 50,00 €
Por member.................................................
Life favor, envíe su suscripción por correo, fax o e-mail,
1.500,00 €
o llámenos por teléfono y le haremos miembro de una
Please send us your membership subscription by mail, fax
forma inmediata
or e-mail, or call us, and we will sign you up immediately.
CUENTAS BANCARIAS:
bank acount:
Banca March, Puerto de la Cruz
Cuenta:March,
Banca 0061 0168 81de005034011-8
Puerto la Cruz
IBAN: ES40
Acount: 00610061
01680168 8100 5034 0118
81 005034011-8
BIC: BMARES2M
IBAN: ES40 0061 0168 8100 5034 0118
BIC: BMARES2M
Banco Santander, Puerto de la Cruz Wolfgang Kiessling
Banco Santander, Puerto de la Cruz
Cuenta: 0049 0290 37 2113529526 President, Loro Parque Fundación
Acount: 0049 0290 37 2113529526
IBAN: ES46 0049 0290 3721 1352 9526
IBAN: ES46 0049 0290 3721 1352 9526
BIC: BSCHESMM
BIC: BSCHESMM
BBVA, Puerto de la Cruz
Acount:
Cuenta: 0182 5310 61 001635615-8
IBAN: ES85 0182 5310 61 0016356158
BIC: BBVAESMM
Legal deposit: TF-1643/2003
Depósito Legal: TF-1643/2003
2
saving wildlife and habitats WE HIGHLIGHT
VIII International Parrot Convention in Tenerife – a grand success
The Olympic Games and Soccer World Cup every four years are the highlight for sports enthusiasts worldwide.
For friends of parrots it is the International Parrot participants could talk and make contact during the
Convention in Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife because, cocktail that followed, with anticipation of the days
since 1986 and every four years, breeders, owners, of Convention that would follow. During the same
scientists, conservationists and experts from around the inauguration there was a special tribute to the work
world have participated in this unique conference. and publications of Rosemary Low, Dietmar Schmidt, of
Gefiederte Welt, and Dr. Matthias Reinschmidt, who was
Canarian welcome
awarded for his excellent work for Loro Parque and Loro
Parque Fundación.
The conference began on 23rd September, at 08:30 in
the Congress Centre, Puerto de la Cruz, presented by
the renowned zoo director of Loro Parque, Dr. Matthias
Reinschmidt, during the three days of this multilingual
convention. Dr. Mark Stafford, Founder and President
of Parrots International, was the first speaker and spoke
on "Loro Parque Fundación and Parrots International:
Wolfgang Kiessling inaugurates the Convention
synergy in saving parrots". Stafford presented seven
In 2014 the eighth edition of this event, which coincided parrot conservation projects that are supported by the
with the twentieth anniversary of Loro Parque Fundación, Loro Parque Fundación and Parrots International and
was held. International recognition of this Congress is where synergy plays an important role: Lear's Macaw,
also demonstrated by the heavy demand, and several Blue-throated Macaw, Cuban Amazon, Philippine
weeks before the event no more registrations cold be Cockatoo, Yellow-naped Amazon, Grey Parrot and
accepted. Spix's Macaw.
From 22 to 25 September 2014, about 850 lovers of The second speaker of the morning was the well-known
parrots from 40 different countries and all continents South African bird breeder William Horsfield. With
gathered in Tenerife to take part in the International ample success in the first breeding for South Africa and
Parrot Convention, organized by Loro Parque and Loro considerable experience in breeding Palm Cockatoos,
Parque Fundación, all with interest in the presentations obviously he gave his presentation as an overview of the
of 19 international speakers on all developments in keeping and breeding of the Palm Cockatoo in South
breeding, research and different forms of protection. Africa, which started from the first legal import in 1974.
W. Horsfield dedicated his lecture to his friend Neville
The Convention was inaugurated on 22nd September Connors, the great breeder of Australian parrots, who
by the President of Loro Parque, Wolfgang Kiessling, died in early 2014.
in the pleasant ambience of the Hotel Botanico, where
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WE HIGHLIGHT the newsletter of loro parque fundación
Many moments to socialize
Before the coffee break, there was a presentation,
in which the wildlife expert from India environmental
reporter, writer and photographer Vivek Menon, spoke
on the conservation of parrots in India. Appreciation for
parakeets in the Hindu culture is evidenced by the large
number of mentions of this bird in traditional practice,
mythology, religion, literature, art and proverbs,
something that Vivek Menon explained in the first part of
his reflection. So far, little attention has been paid to the
protection and conservation of parrots.
After the pause for coffee in the Congress Centre
gardens, where all participants animatedly shared their
experiences, Dr. Auguste von Bayern continued with
a speech on "Avian intelligence: Innovative problem
solving abilities in crows and parrots." A qualified
biologist, her research focuses on cognitive adaptation
Speaker Rudolf Christian
of birds to their social and physical environment and the
development of intelligence. One of her latest studies Rudolf Christian's passion for parrots began over 40
deals with the innovative capacity and causal reasoning years ago, when in 1978 he got his first breeding parrots.
of parrots and crows, with special attention to the With his extensive experience, his presentation "40
production and use of tools. years of experience in breeding parrots and cockatoos"
gave listeners much information and interesting tips.
Dr. H. Martin Schaefer, of the University of Freiburg, Peter Odekerken offered a wonderful close to the first
then spoke on "Effective protection based on genetic day of the convention, as also in the following two days,
analysis: The El Oro Parakeet as an example". For taking participants on a photo tour of parrots in the
eleven years he has addressed the threats to the El wild. He himself has bred and kept different species of
Oro Parakeet (Pyrrhura orcesi), and investigates the parrots, later to specialize in photographing animals in
fascinating social organization of this species. their natural habitat. His ambition is to photograph or
videotape each species of parrot.
4
saving wildlife and habitats WE HIGHLIGHT
In the afternoon, we took our time to visit Loro Parque Since 1979, Professor Jones has addressed the
or to take part in a guided visit to the Breeding Centre conservation of the Echo Parakeet and other endemic
of Loro Parque Fundación in La Vera. At night, we found birds of Mauritius and has worked to apply to wild birds
ourselves by the sea under the starry sky of Playa Jardín the techniques of breeding birds in captivity, in order to
for a barbecue and summer paella dishes, accompanied improve their productivity and their chances of survival.
by music and dancing until late. That night we were
reminded once again of Neville Connors, and especially Ricardo Valentin de la Rosa is a breeder and directs
emotional was the appearance of his daughter, who the Center for Birds of Rio Abajo, Puerto Rico where
played a piece in memory of her father. the project is breeding in captivity the Puerto Rican
Aamzon. Under his leadership the production of captive
On the second day of the Convention, the programme birds in the aviary has increased from 13-50 parrots a
began with the Colombian Alonso Quevedo, who in 1998 year. His presentation was on "Key factors in successful
founded with other colleagues the ProAves Foundation, reproduction in captivity of the Puerto Rican Amazon
whose goal is to ensure the survival of populations of (Amazona vittata)".
threatened species of parrots in the Colombian Andes.
During his presentation he informed us in detail about The biologist Rafael Padrón Zamora spoke on "Nests:
the work and achievements of ProAves. Designs, materials, systems, species, timing". Zamora
presented and showed images of different versions
Prof. Dr. Michael Lierz is Director of the Clinic for Birds, of nest boxes and then went on to the locations and
Reptiles, Amphibians and Fishes of the Justus-Liebig materials, with valuable tips and information that
University in Giessen, and researcher of parrots known breeders could take home.
for its numerous specialized conferences. He spoke
to an international audience on the important subject
"Semen collection and artificial insemination - new tools
Sr. Kiessling (left) and the speakers
As the end to a day of presentations, Odekerken
Peter continued his journey of parrots in the wild, with
Sun and Wonderful Landscape wonderful photos and videos. In the afternoon we
had another opportunity to visit the La Vera Breedig
in psittacine breeding and species conservation". Lierz Centre or admire the new attractions of Loro Parque. At
presented both the procedure and handling, and finally night, buses took us to a cocktail at the Casa del Vino,
the problems still unclear in the conservation of sperm. where we could enjoy Canarian specialties and wines,
accompanied by background music.
Before the coffee break another breeder, Andreas Meyer
of Bruchsal, presented "Practical advice in the keeping The third and final day of the conference was opened by
and breeding of parrots". His particular focus was on Morten Bruun-Rasmussen, a Danish breeder of birds,
the Palm Cockatoo, whichhe has successfully bred for with over 40 years experience in breeding parrots,
years. Meyer presented his aviaries, described the food having worked for years in the breeding of the Golden-
and how to feed as well as giving a detailed report on shouldered Parrot. On these birds he based his lecture:
keeping and breeding. "What can we learn from scientific studies to improve
the breeding of the Golden-shouldered Parrot ". In it,
Next came the subject of Prof. Carl Jones "The restoration he documented how the scientific reports were used
of the Echo Parakeet: what lessons have been learnt." to develop the "10 commandments" to optimize the
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WE HIGHLIGHT the newsletter of loro parque fundación
reproduction of Golden-shouldered Parrots in captivity. photo tour, Prof. Ian Swingland made a presentation
entitled "Biodiversity conservation as a business, the
The next presentation, by Prof. Robert Heinsohn, was key successes of the Loro Parque Fundación" which
also on a small Australian parrot. Professor Heinsohn highlighted the successful work of the Loro Parque
talked about the "Swift Parrot: challenges of conserving Fundación, which during the congress held its twentieth
a migratory parrot beset by introduced predators", which anniversary. Prof. Swingland is one of the longest-serving
clearly explained how the Swift Parrot is even harder to active advisors of Wolfgang Kiessling, president of Loro
protect than most other migratory birds, due to the use Parque and Loro Parque Fundación. He explained in
of varying breeding sites in east Tasmania and places to detail how biodiversity conservation can be profitable
winter on the Australian mainland. and can support the conservation of parrots worldwide.
He also addressed individual examples of conservation
The first part of the talks ended with a medical theme. projects and provided many interesting facts relating to
them. Loro Parque Fundación, with support from Loro
Parque, a pioneer in the conservation of parrots, captures
its own resources through income and sponsors. These
have risen in the last 20 years, so that a total of $ 15
million has been given in grants for the conservation of
parrots worldwide, implying a major programme of field
activities, research, education, support in breeding and
Spectacular entertainment
The French veterinarian Dr. Frank Rival spoke on the
subject of "Vision, ocular examination and ocular
diseases in parrots". In the talk he dealt with the anatomy
of the eye and vision in parrots, passing afterwards
onto examinations and eye tests and showing the most
common eye diseases and their treatment options.
After the coffee break the last part began with Dr. Andrea The hand-rearing workshop
Fidgett. The nutritionist spoke on the topic "From
animal rescue.
ingredients to nutrients: A recipe for optimal parrot
nutrition". She stressed that the necessary nutrition The programme of events of the VIII International
differs from the wild in terms of production values and Parrot Convention was an extremely successful mix of
movement. However, captive birds need to take the contributions from breeders, scientific work on nutrition
same amount of essential nutrients as wild birds, but in and medicine, as well as conservation projects. One can
a smaller quantitative amount of food. only congratulate the organizers! It was one of the best
editions since the beginning of this cycle of conferences
Rosemary Low hardly needs introducing, being living
and has set new standards.
legend known to all lovers of parrots. Rosemary was
curator at Loro Parque and Palmitos Park and has The last night took place in the wonderful atmosphere of
published over 20 books and numerous articles in the Hotel Botánico gardens. Good weather accompanied
professional journals. Parrots and, in particular, loris us, and the gala dinner, with a superb menu, was held
are her focus. The title of her presentation was "Lories outdoors accompanied by music, songs and a very
are my life!" in which he informed the participants about good laser show. During the awards for the best speaker
her extensive experience in the not always smooth care of the Convention, Prof. Lierz took third place, Rafael
and breeding of parrots, and shared a lot of information, Zamora second and the presentation by Prof. Carl Jones
recommendations and advice. won first place with a prize of € 2,000. In this framework,
Bruno Hensel, President of the Wuppertal Zoo Club,
Before Peter Odekerken showed the last part of his
6
saving wildlife and habitats WE HIGHLIGHT
as a gift from the club presented to the President of make the city again a mecca for all friends of parrots.It
Loro Parque and founder of Loro Parque Fundación, is a joy to say that it is already possible to register, since
Wolfgang Kiessling, a picture of a pair of the very rare the number of participants is limited to 800 personas.
Yellow-eared Parrots of Colombia by the artist Barbara Don’t miss the 2018 Convention!
Klotz. In addition, Dr. Marcelus Bürkle gave Wolfgang
Kiessling, on behalf of Vogelfreunde Achern e. V., a Article taken from:
check for € 5,000 donated to Loro Parque Fundación.
©Dietmar Schmidt, Gefiederte WeltImportant note: The
Finally, Wolfgang Kiessling thanked all the speakers, article touches the presentations only briefly. To read
organizers and participants, officially closing the more about them, please contact Loro Parque and ask
conference, but not before announcing the dates of IX for the 2014 Convention proceedings in book form or
International Parrot Convention, to be held from 24 to 27 on CD
September 2018, again in Puerto de la Cruz, which will
lpf@loroparque-fundacion.org
Animal Embassy in Loro Parque continues to surprise all the visitors
Loro Parque, the best zoological ribbon cutting and blessing of the these facilities will present some
garden in Europe and 3rd Bishop of the diocese of Tenerife, of the most important activities of
worldwide, according to Trip Bernardo Alvarez, guests enjoyed animal welfare, conservation and
Advisor, continues strengthen its a musical show whose theme education realized by the park, as
commitment of constant innovation revolved around Africa. The dance well as leading research that Loro
and the premise of becoming an of the animals and the liveliness of Parque Fundación develops usually.
international educational, scientific the final performance of the English
and animal reserve, inaugurated on singer Ann Peters, put the finishing Six years ago, at the momento when
26th September its new attraction touch of gold to the night set in the Loro Parque received as the first zoo
Animal Embassy, a firm commitment African savannah.There is no doubt worldwide the certifícate ‘Biosphere
to ecology and preservation of the that, during its first three months Park-Animal Embassy’, awarded by
planet. of existence, Animal Embassy has the Institute for Responsible Travel
given all the visitors a very pleasant (ITR) and endorsed by the Cabildo
The ceremony, held at the park surprise, and is fulfilling its principal of Tenerife, the president of its
entrance and the presence of about objective to show people the great Foundation, Mr. Wolfgang Kiessling
500 people, was presided over by expertise and commitment of Loro emphasized the institution´s
the president of the Government of Parque to provide the best possible commitment to the environment,
the Canary Islands, Paulino Rivero, welfare to its animal ambassadors, because the fact of living every
as well as to convince people to join day with the wild animals definitely
its effort for the conservation of the inspires to promove the love for
natural world.This new area of over nature. In this sense, the main
2.200 square meters is dedicated objective of Loro Parque with this
to educate the visitors about the new facility is that the animals of
importance of the respect for the the park become the ambassodors
environment and the animals that of their own species and as such
inhabit the earth. Provided with five they have to receive all the care
original buildings and a theming and attention of a diplomatic
Animbal Embassy with massive baobab tree inspired by a native village in Africa, representative.
accompanied by the president of
Tenerife Island Government, Carlos
Alonso; the sub-delegate of the
Spanish government in the Canary
Islands, Luis Molina González;
the mayor of Puerto de la Cruz,
Marcos Brito and the president of
Loro Parque, Wolfgang Kiessling.
Following the official speeches,
The new Baby Station
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WE HIGHLIGHT the newsletter of loro parque fundación
Research centre linked to the Max Planck Institute
One of the buildings of Animal Embassy will house a research exists in Loro Parque, like the Baby Station, which shows the
center, associated with the prestigious Max Planck Institue in visitors the care that the babys parrots born in the park receive; the
Germany, where te cognitive development of the birds will be clinical area, which will present the activities of veterinarian care,
studied. The Institute has a research area with great apes, which and the laboratory, which will display the daily job of analyzing
they observe in situ in the Zoo Leipzig. This would be a pioneering samples, from animals as well as water samples from the different
study, because so far, the cognitive development has been tanks in the park.
observed especially in primates and some mammals like dolphins, It will also have a complex for the interactive announcement of the
but with birds it is an area that has to be discovered, and there Loro Parque Fundación actions. This is the fourth of the spaces
have been only experiments with crows in New Caledonia and intended for the release in its strictest sense. Information panels
with cockatoos, and this is why Animal Embassy offers a unique and interactive applications will show the visitors the conservation
opportunity to advance with parrot species. and species recovery that Loro Parque Fundación realice in
Together with this area, there will be other attractions that already different parts of the planet.
This area gets completed at its main entrance with a new exhibition
for the alligators, which allows to gain in size and visibility.
Thematic aspects
Regarding to the thematic and decoration, it resoponds to the
need to create an environment according to the needs of the
different species: the five huts that compose Animal Embassy
stand out for its architecture, imitating mud huts with Straw roof
and large Windows to comfortably observe the activity that takes
place inside. For this design we had the collaboration of different
experts in the architectural modeling. One of this experts is Paolo
Bonanno, in charge of the artistic direction of this new project after
having completed Siam Park´s project (time when the artist visited
The Loro Parque Fundación centre
Thailand and Cambodia). In this case, the direct inspiration source
is up to Gambia and the arrangement of their villages of stone and
mud, including the famous and lovely Baobab tree.
Loro Parque Fundación gives US$1,000,000+ to conservation and research in 2015
In 2015 the Loro Parque Fundación will continue its substantial
annual contribution to the conservation of biodiversity by
giving US$1,023,792 for conservation and research projects
around the world. This is a major commitment to protect some
of the world’s most threatened species and habitats, not only
to help conserve biological diversity, but also to promote Philippine Cockatoos: a key project. Peter Widmann
sustainable use of natural resources.
Of the total direct financial commitment of the LPF to projects
in 2015, 86% is for projects in terrestrial ecosystems, the
majority of which will be for the conservation and recovery
of threatened species of parrots. Of the parrot species
covered by the projects, 85% are classified as threatened in
the Red List of the IUCN. Some, like the Philippine Cockatoo
(Cacatua haematuropygia) and the Blue-throated Macaw (Ara
glaucogularis) are in the category of ‘Critically Endangered’.
The remaining funds will be used for the conservation of Philippine Cockatoos: a key project. Peter Widmann
whales and dolphins and the marine environment.
8
saving wildlife and habitats WE HIGHLIGHT
In 2015 the LPF will fund a total of 32 projects, bringing to 109 the cumulative number of projects it has financed over its 20 years
of existence with US$15,500,000. The following table provides a list of the active projects in 2015.
Project Partner Support
Terrestrial
Phu Khieo Wildlife Sanctuary project,, Thailand Dept. National Parks 106.072
KAZA project: Kavango-Zambesi Transfrontier Conservation Kaza/Futouris 100.000
Philippine Cockatoo Conservation Programme, Philippines Katala Foundation 96.937
Conservation of the thratened Blue-throated Macaw,Bolivia Armonía 77.000
Cordillera Central Parrot Project, Colombia Fundación ProAves 57.600
Proyecto Ognorhynchus, Colombia Fundación ProAves 52.270
Conservation of threatened psittacids of Margarita Island, Venezuela Provita 40.240
Uni. Freiburg/ Fundación
Ecological Corridor for the El Oro Parakeet, Ecuador
Jocotoco
40.125
Project Pyrrhura, Colombia Fundación ProAves 38.580
Ecological research on A.leari for its conservation, Brazil Doñana Biological Station 35.453
Monitoring / Conservation of Red-tailed Amazon, Paraná, Brazil SPVS 34.003
Conservation of the Grey-breasted Parakeet in Ceará, Brazil Aquasis 32.873
Research / Conservation of A. ambiguus in Nicaragua & Costa Rica Tropical Science Center 26.000
KAFA project: protection of the Yellow-Fronted Parrot, Ethiopia NABU/BirdLife 25.558
Breeding biology and migratory behaviour of swift parrots, Australia National Uni. Autralia 24.800
Conservation incentives to protect Nicaragua's Yellow-N Amazon Paso Pacífico 23.710
Halting the decline of Vinaceous-breasted Amazon in Paraguay Guyra Paraguay 20.000
Conservation of the vinaceous-breasted parrot in southern Brazil Friends of Environment Assoc 20.000
Comunity Protection of the Military Macaw in Queretaro, Mexico United Corridors A.C 6.800
Conserving the southernmost pop. of Military Macaw in Argentina CEBio 6.622
Compensation to farmers programme for A. Leari damage, Brazil ECO 5.000
Breeding ecology and conservation of endemic psittacids in Cuba Inst. Ecology & Systematics 4880
Cape Parrot conservation through nest-boxes and bee management, S.Africa Amorentia Estate 2.244
Eleventh Mesoamerican Symposium on Psittaciformes Mesoamerican Parrot Network 1.900
Other 1.289
Marine
Uni. Las Palmas de Gran
Organic pollution levels in cetaceans of Macaronesia
Canaria
33.263
Bioacoustics: O. orca morphometrics from vocalizations Uni. de la Laguna 30.458
Exploring optimized feeding diets for captive loggerhead turtles ADS Biodiversity 29.500
A study on baseline cortisol as an indicator of stress in cetaceans 20.000
Orcas/cetaceans in Gibraltar Strait: pollution form flame retardants CIRCE 16.615
Uni. Las Palmas de Gran
SANICET Symposium: Macaronesia marine mammal Sanctuary
Canaria
10.000
2015 meeting of the Expert Group on Cetacean Welfare Free Uni. Berlin 5.000
9
DAY TO DAY the newsletter of loro parque fundación
50 years of the IUCN Red List
In all of its projects, the Loro Parque Fundación closely new entries. Even so, the IUCN delegated the job of
refers to the world’s most important list about the updating the bird data to the International Council for Bird
conservation status of species, the Red List of Threatened Preservation (ICBP), now BirdLife International. In 1964 a
Species of the International Union for Conservation of list of rare birds and a preliminary list of rare mammals
Nature (IUCN). First published in 1964, the Red List has was published, followed in 1966 by publication for the first
become the essential reference not only about the status time the “Red Data Book of Threatened Species”. In the
of thousands of species, but also for recommended 1980s, the information on the cards was computerised
actions to improve their status. It contains a wealth of data and today, the IUCN Red List’s huge database is stored in
that relies on the commitment of volunteer contributors, Cambridge, England.
including 9,000 experts from across the world. The Red
List is much more than a list, being based on at least An early problem was that the system of categories was
a century of field research, of theoretical progress in considered to be too vague, and the experts who were
conservation biology and of international cooperation. producing the Red Data books were using their own
vocabulary to describe the status of species. Defining
This incredible sum of knowledge about wild species, universal criteria to estimate a species’ risk of extinction
although little known to the general public, has become was a complex matter, and it took a long time to resolve
essential to everyone fighting to protect biodiversity. Within the issue. In 1991, two specialists in conservation biology,
the IUCN, the Species Survival Commission (SSC), with its Georgina Mace and Russell Lande, proposed a new
130 specialist groups, has the task of gathering, assessing assessment system, which in 1996 resulted in an “IUCN
and disseminating information and studies relating to all Red List of Threatened Species” with the conservation
species of fauna and flora under threat of extinction, in status of all the world’s birds and mammals evaluated
order to assist governments and the agencies concerned using one method. The revised and improved method,
with ensuring their survival. essentially an international standard, has been in use
since 2001.
At first the list was based on a card index system
which madeit easy to update data and gradually add 76,199 species have been assessed using the new criteria,
and the IUCN Red List now covers 4% of the planet’s
known biodiversity, although the aim is to reach 160,000
species by 2020. In the list, 4,635 species are “Critically
Endangered”, but the good news is that conservationists,
including the Loro Parque Fundacion, now know how to
set up effective programmes to protect biodiversity. For
example, with the help of the LPF, two species previously
in the “Critically Endangered” category, the Yellow-eared
Parrot (Ognorhynchus icterotis) and the Lear’s Macaw
(Anodorhynchus leari) have passed to the “Endangered”
category, which is a very good sign that they are on the
road to recovery. Six other threatened species of parrots
in LPF projects have also passed to safer categories in the
Red List during the same period of twenty years.
Red-tailed Amazon: from, Endangered 'to, Vulnerable' Zig Koch
10saving wildlife and habitats DAY TO DAY
Loro Parque Fundación finances tracking dogs that protect elephants
The black markets in Asia for elephant ivory and rhino Recently, the laws have become much stricter, and
horn attain maximum prices more expensive than gold. convicted poachers are sentenced to long prison terms.
Thus, the poachers are upgrading, with automatic Tracking dogs are very effective and therefore have an
weapons and treacherous snares which they bring into enormous deterrent effect, so that in Tsavo National
Tsavo National Park in Kenya to track and kill elephants Park there will elephants and rhinos tomorrow.
and rhinos. Today in Tsavo there are still 11,000 living
elephants, as compared to 40,000 almost 50 years ago, Loro Parque Fundacion receives
and black rhinos were reduced by 95 percent between
recognition from Thailand
1970 and 1980. These magnificent animals could be
exterminated within ten years, and therefore, urgent
In response to a request from the Royal Palace of
action is required.
Thailand, since 1997 the Loro Parque Fundación has
continuously supported the protection of the 1,563
The prize. L to R: Mr. Suhat Sangchaya, Dr. Suchart Podchong, ex-
Ambassador Atchara Seriputra, Dr. Kanjana Nitaya, Miss. Supanee Lertrit
square kilometre Phu Khieo Wildlife Sanctuary in
Thailand. This is the largest protected area in the north-
east of the country, and is vital for conservation of
biodiversity, including Asian elephants and tigers. The
Therefore, Loro Parque Fundación has teamed-up with LPF partners the Department of National Parks, Wildlife
NABU (Nature And Biodiversity Conservation Union), and Plants (DNP) in the protection of the sanctuary.
to support the use of tracking dogs against poaching. The support has encouraged biological studies which
Tracking dogs can be thoroughly trained to detect the confirm the importance of the biodiversity in the
sanctuary, as well as the buffer zone at the perimeter.
smells of fired weapons and the blood of injured wildlife.
It has also permitted the training and equipping of the
And if the dogs have taken up the smell of a poacher
rangers and the sanctuary’s monitoring system, and
at an abandoned poaching site, they can purposefully has started successful sustainable agriculture with local
track to the hiding place. Also, they can find the hidden farmers so they no longer trespass and damage the
contraband in cars, in ports and airports. Sometimes sanctuary.
the tracking dogs find an injured animal that the ranger
On Thursday 18th September 2014, a formal ceremony
can still save. Every dog in the national park is managed
was held in Bangkok to celebrate the 118th anniversary
by a ranger, and it is a dangerous and responsible job,
of the Forestry Department and the 12th anniversary
for man and dog.A tracking dog can be trained in six of the DNP. At this prestigious event, the Loro Parque
months, but even the best dogs can only do their job Fundación was formally recognised as the “Best Official
for three to six years: then they have a well-deserved Supporter of Department of National Parks, Wildlife
retirement. Therefore, it is vital to continuously train and Plants, Year 2104”. Attending the ceremony to
receive the award on behalf of the LPF was the former
more dogs in forensics, and train more employees of
ambassador of Thailand to Spain, Atchara Seriputra.
the Kenyan Wildlife Service as dog handlers, as well as
The LPF thanks her for her gracious representation at
improve the equipment, for example with first-aid kits, the event, and is honoured to receive the award.
dog harnesses and radio equipment.
11DAY TO DAY the newsletter of loro parque fundación
Day of the Animals
The Plaza del Príncipe of Santa Cruz de Tenerife was once again the venue for the celebration of World Animal Day, an
educational fun day held on Saturday, 18th October, from 10.00 to 18.00, with free admission. The event was organized by the
Association for the Defence of Animals, Canary Islands and the city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, with the special support of Loro
Parque Fundación, which aims to raise public awareness about the treatment, care and importance of animals in the city.
Among other activities, on offer were three talks related to the world of pets and their role in society today, the rescue of
wildlife, exotic and invasive species and the care of exotic birds. There were also infant educational workshops related to
biodiversity conservation, organized by Loro Parque Fundación, puppet shows by Civil Protection, and dog parades and
demonstrations of training were also carried by experts of UNIPOL and ONCE (guide-dogs for the blind). Finally, there were
information stands on pet care and hairdressing.
Those attending this event could go with their pets, and could also donate food, blankets, towels and other items for the care
of animals in shelters. At the same time, twelve animal welfare groups showed part of their activities at information stands, as
did many bodies of safety and rescue, such as the Municipal Police Unit, SEPRONA (Civil Guard environment unit) and the Fire
Department. Such entities demonstrated to visitors their work performed for the protection of nature. To liven up the day, there
was music and a festival atmosphere.
12saving wildlife and habitats our parks
Loro Parque, Siam Park and the Hotel Botánico receive the top honours
ever; the view of the world’s travellers speaks for itself on Trip Advisor
Each year this platform publishes an average of 150 million comments and opinions, is present in 42 countries
covering 25 different languages and is the place where travellers from all around the globe consult not only
the opinions and experiences of other tourists, but also share their own experiences. With more than 260
million users per month, this platform receives 100 new contributions every minute and only last year there
were over 50 million new comments. .
Siam Park recognised as the #1 aquatic Loro Parque considered the best
theme park in the world European zoo and #3 in the world
Siam Park continues to reap success and Founded in 1972, this park was initially
becomes the first Spanish company to conceived as a paradise for parrots and
receive the International Award for Best has developed over the years into one of
Waterpark in the world from Trip Advisor,
the strongest magnets for visitors to the
the worlds’ largest travel website. The
Canary Islands. For this reason, it was
Travellers' Choice Awards recognize the
recently acclaimed as the best zoo in
best tourist attractions in the world, based
on the views and recommendations of Europe and #3 worldwide.
individual travellers.
In total for this edition, 300 winners were identified, The Hotel Botánico has received the
including the World’s Top 25 and listings for Asia, Award for Excellence Condé Nast
Canada, China, Europe, India, South America, South
Pacific, United Kingdom and the United States, which Johansens
resulted in Siam Park being the chosen as the world’s Hotel Botánico has recently received the Award
best water park. These awards are based on the quality
for Excellence Condé Nast Johansens 2015, in the
and the quantity of millions of valuable opinions received
category of Best Hotel with Spa for Europe and the
by visitors related to attractions in each destination.
Thanks to the positioning of Siam Park as a theme park Mediterranean during the World Travel Market fair. This
with water attractions, the park has established itself as award recognizes the quality, luxury and excellence and
a revolutionary park in this sector, above other theme has been given by this independent publishing medium,
parks of the world with much bigger investments. which is considered as one of the best in the travel
industry. The nominations are the result of the combined
This latest international recognition joins four Condé Nast Johansens online voting system, the quality
other important awards received last summer. The surveys filled in by the customers and the evaluations
Biosphere Park certificate was given to Siam Park for made by the international team of inspectors.
its environmental commitment and its support to the
destination, and it also has the ISO 9000, ISO 14.000 This recognition also adds
and EMAS standards, being absolute proof of true to Trip Advisor’s that,
commitment to the highest standards in the sector.
along with the TUI Holly
2014 award, received
for the 14th time, places
Hotel Botánico as number
1 in Tenerife and amongst
the top 100 hotels in
the world respectively.
These awards exist since
1994 and are based on
the assessments made by more than half a million
customers, who decide annually which hotels should be
considered as the best choice for international holiday
destinations. The assessment is based on the guests’
evaluation for customer attention, hotel facilities,
service, food or cleanliness among others, and places
Award ceremony. Blanca Zayas, representative of trip Advisor, Spain and the Hotel Botanico at the top of the list.
Christoph Kiessling.
13our parks the newsletter of loro parque fundación
Loro Parque adds two more to its group of bachelor gorillas
Loro Parque celebrated in November the arrival of two To resolve this problem and reproduce the social life
young male gorillas from the Hanover Adventure Zoo of this critically endangered species in its habitat of
of Germany. Small Kiburi (10) and Ubongo (7) will join Central Africa as closely as possible, Loro Parque was
the group of five male gorillas, also from the western a pioneer in daring to create a group of single males
lowlands, and born in different zoos in Europe, which as a genetic reserve, a project for which an enclosure
live in Loro Parque within the framework of the European was built especially, but without assurances that it would
Endangered Species Programme (EEP) which protects work, but the results were positive and encouraging for
this severely threatened species. maintaining a reserve for the population.
These young gorillas are now in the period of adaptation The bachelor group housed by Loro Parque on deposit is
to their new home, enjoying the sunny atmosphere of currently the largest in Europe. When another zoo needs
Tenerife in an outdoor enclosure adjacent to the area of a breeding male, the EEP goes to these reserves and
the rest of the group and to familiarize themselves with decides which is the most appropriate animal. Recently,
the new environment, sounds and smell of their close as a result of this project our gorilla León,who was sent
companions. After this period of adaptation, the family in 2013 to Brazil, has successfully formed his group of
will share the complete exhibition of over 3,500 square two females and has produced youngsters.
meters, equipped with lush vegetation, waterfalls and
Gorilla populations in Central Africa are declining due
to human pressure on their habitat, poaching or wars,
situations that make it very difficult to defend this species
which, after chimpanzees, is closest to Homo sapiens,
with a DNA difference of only 1.6 percent.
Loro Parque awards the Premio
Gorila 2013 to the Association of
British Travel Agents, ABTA
Loro Parque awarded the Premio Gorila (Gorilla Prize) 2013 to
the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA), whose current
CEO, Mark Tanzer, received the recognized for the unwavering
commitment of the organization responsible for promoting
tourism in its 60 years of existence and keeping Tenerife as a
priority destination in its tourism offer. This event took place at the
places where they can have long naps. headquarters of the Presidency of the Canary Islands, with the
Kiburi, 92 kilos of weight and Ubongo, 56 kilos, were presence of the President, Paulino Rivero Baute and President
of Loro Parque, Wolfgang Kiessling. Also present in this eleventh
born at the German zoo and, upon reaching their teenage
edition of the award was the President of the Cabildo of Tenerife,
years, have been moved to Loro Parque in order to live in Carlos Alonso and various civil, military and consular authorities
a group of males of the same species. This occurs with at regional level. Throughout its history, ABTA has excelled in
single males in the wild, where the families of gorillas offering a wide range of services to its members including
are formed by a single adult male and several females financial security health support and guidance to the bussiness
and their offspring. When males reach the adolescent
age they leave the clan and form bachelor groups with
other exiles, until they find females to found their own
families. In the nineties, surplus young gorillas expelled
from their gamily groups were a problem for zoos, who
had to separate them from the rest.
Premio Gorila‘ ceremony: (L. to R.) Simon Pickup, Mark Tanzer, Paulino Rivero,
Wolfgang Kiessling
14saving wildlife and habitats our parks
and conflict resolution. Therefore, ABTA enjoys widespread In 2005 it was received by Globalia - Travel Plan and in 2006
recognition in the tourism community and appreciation from its TUI UK and its CEO David Harper. In 2007 it was awarded to
members.Tanzer has worked from a young age in a prosperous the tour operator TUI Germany and in 2008 to the President of
career in finance and tourism and, after graduating, studied for an the Cabildo of Tenerife, Ricardo Melchior, in recognition of his
MBA in business and management at Harvard University. Since dedication and defence of the environment of the island. In the
2005 he has been CEO of ABTA, an organization that includes 2009, the Gorilla Award was presented to the German VOX TV
more than 1,400 tourism companies and has consolidated its channel, for promoting the destination of Tenerife and in 2010,
position during his term in office as the main association of travel the President of Birdlife International for the protection of birds. In
2011 the prize went to Petra Deimer, President of the Association
agents in the UK, including tour operators, cruise companies
for the Protection of Marine Mammals (GSM) and last year
and travel agencies.The Premio Gorila is a recognition that Loro
Michael Miersch, editor of science magazine Focus won it.
Parque has been giving for 11 years to the different entities and
personalities who have excelled in the year, for their effort and
dedication to environmental preservation and the progress of
sustainable tourism and responsibility in implementing policies.
This is a sculpture made of bronze, representing the Gorilla for
being a loyal and strong animal which is convivial in groups,
characteristics which underlie the award ceremony.In previous
years Loro Parque has presented the award to tour operators,
with Iberostar and its president Miguel Fluxá receiving the award
in 2003. The following year it was given the group Neckermann
Thomas Cook AG, with the presence of CEO Wolfgang Beeser.
ANDA Canarias visits Loro Parque
In October we were visited by the National Association for the Defence of Animals and other protection associations to discover
new facilities of Animal Embassy. They could see first-hand some of the activities of animal welfare, conservation and education
conducted by the park as well as the pioneering research habitually developed by the Loro Parque Fundación.
The youngest chimpanzee of Loro Parque continues to fascínate the visitors
Last August, Loro Parque continued on a high note and
celebrated the birth of a new baby chimpanzee Pan troglodytes
of about 3 kilos in weight. The small Rihanna is still under the
care and feeding of her mother Clara, and all other group
members are cooperating to keep things calm for the youngster,
even the other little ones.
With this delivery the number of chimpanzees living in the
premises of Loro Parque rose to nine, which confirms the
excellent state of welfare enjoyed by these mammals. The
birth was natural and took place in the Loro Parque exhibition
designed especially for this family of chimpanzees when they
reached the park, under the instructions of the CITES Authority,
in cooperation with the Nature Protection Service of the Civil
Guard (SEPRONA).
Rihanna is a baby of the common chimpanzee, a species
which inhabits tropical Africa. Along with the Bonobo, the are
considered the closest living relatives to humans because they
share 98.7% of DNA, and its evolutionary branch separated
approximately 7 million years ago. The youngster fed only on
breast milk but now is old enough to begin to incorporate into its
diet vegetables and fruits that the other members of the group
eat.
The original family of chimpanzees was moved to Loro Parque
in February 2013, in the framework of rescues (in compliance of
the Spanish law of zoos) and with the support of the entity that
previously housed the animals, in order to ensure the welfare
and unity of the family, a fact that is now confirmed with this birth.
15AMBASSADORS the newsletter of loro parque fundación
Feeding and behaviour of Loro Parque’s bachelor group of gorillas
as well as by having an effective system abnormal and stereotypical behaviours of behaviour categories recorded across all
of customers service animals kept in restricted environments. recording sessions were “Maintenance”
and "Locomotion". Maintenance
The male western lowland gorillas (Gorilla In this context, an interesting study
behaviours are several, including to stand
gorilla gorilla) in Loro Parque form the has recently been completed which
still, to lie down, to scratch, to urinate, to
world’s largest bachelor group which has examined the effects of midday scatter
make changes in posture, and others.
been the most cohesive over the longest feeding on behaviour in the gorilla group.
Locomotion behaviours typically will
period of time, since 1992. These animals Under the umbrella of the collaboration
include walking, running and climbing,
are ambassadors for calling people’s between the Loro Parque Fundación and
as well as movements of the head.
attention to the plight of their wild the University of La Laguna, Tenerife, the
“Feeding”, i.e. searching for and eating
counterparts in the forests of Africa. The study was conducted by Paula Sánchez-
food and drinking, was significantly more
more knowledge we accumulate about Hernández, Martha L. Bohórquez-Alonso
frequent before scatter feeding than in the
this group, the better we can improve and Miguel Molina-Borja of the Ethology
other two time periods. “Locomotion” was
their ambassadorial effect. and Behavioural Ecology Group.
significantly more frequent during scatter
The researchers filmed in several daily feeding than before, and “Aggression”,
periods during two months the behaviour which can include intimidation and even
of the seven male gorillas of the group attack, was significantly more frequent
maintained in their normal exhibit in Loro during scatter feeding than in the other
Parque. The ages of the gorillas were time periods.
between 10 and 36 years, with 19 years
Therefore, this new strategy to enrich
as the average.
the behaviour contributed to increasing
The video recordings were analyzed gorilla activity during the period of
in detail and behaviour patterns time when scatter feeding took place,
were established and quantified. The although it also increased social conflict
study specifically compared relative temporarily. As a result, the researchers
frequencies of behavioural categories have made recommendations to Loro
before, during and after a scatter feeding Parque to modify the spatial and temporal
was provided. This consisted of the application of the behavioural enrichment
keepers scattering food items into the strategy in order to avoid low-level
large (3500 m²), vegetated exhibit area. aggressive interactions between gorillas
The scattered food included popcorn, during the scatter feeding.
ape food pellets, and fruit pieces hidden
inside small packages of palm leaves.
Gorilla awaits the scattering of food The results showed that the most frequent
The provision of the best possible
conditions for animals kept in captive
environments is important for the
animals’ welfare. Good welfare is about
providing animals with what keeps
them healthy and also what they want.
Also, visitors prefer to watch active and
healthy animals rather than inactive or
hiding ones. Finally, providing adequate
conditions is a legal requirement for
modern zoos wanting to exhibit animal
species with special conservation status.
Enrichment of the environment has been
extensively used to improve the condition
of animals in captivity Environmental
enrichment is defined as improvements
to the environment in which animals
are kept in captivity that contribute
to improvement in their biological
functioning. Environmental enrichment
has proved to be effective in reducing Gorilla obtains the food
16saving wildlife and habitats AMBASSADORS
Scottish scientists test in Loro Parque a sonar to determine the state of
orcas
The orcas in Loro Parque are ambassadors for other orcas in Saint Andrews, sponsored by the US Navy and Loro Parque
the oceans. Reinforcing this ambassador role has recently come Fundación, tested during the month of September at Loro
from afar. A research group from the Scottish University of St Parque, lets you compose the outline of the orca and take its
Andrews has chosen Loro Parque for the implementation of a measurements, as well to generate a 3D image. The research
project that they have been working on for years. It involves team began taking pictures of orcas in the sea of Iceland for
the development of a sound that determines the health of wild several months earlier this year, and in the Loro Parque facilities
killer whales and other marine animals without disturbing their has calibrated measurements of the images that the sonar has
movements. recorded and their equivalents with real data.
The next step will be to interpret the data collected in the wild,
which will signify a breakthrough, because it will be possible to
study the growth and development of marine mammals, as well
as their evolution, without the need to get too close.
Dr. Javier Almunia, Director of Environmental Affairs at Loro
Parque and expert on cetaceans, stresses that the researchers
have been given the possibility to access the orcas to increase
knowledge and develop techniques and methodologies that are
useful for conserving the species in nature. The main application
of this tool is to get information on the physical state of orcas
without disturbing them. At a distance of twenty or thirty yards,
scientists should be able to determine if the animal is in a good
condition, and from the data to perform growth studies.
This sonar in three dimensions, which has been calibrated in
Echoscope for imaging by sonar Loro Parque, makes it possible to determine very precisely
the measurements of orcas at sea. This research group has
This tool, that the scientists are testing in the facilities of Loro
pioneered this technology with animals in the wild and, for now,
Parque in Tenerife, could serve to verify that the animals in the
it has only been tested with orcas, although the technology
wild are in a state of proper condition, having a thick enough
could be applied to other marine mammals. This is one more
layer of fat or growing correctly.
way in which the development of research in zoos contributes
This sonar was originally designed by Italian engineers for defects to the conservation of species in nature, one of the fundamental
in the infrastructure of ports, as it has considerable precision, objectives of Loro Parque and Loro Parque Fundación.
and researchers thought that it could also serve to determine the
Furthermore, Javier Almunia has emphasized that, unlike anti-
status of the animals. Thus, there is an apparatus with a software
submarine sonar which can affect cetaceans because it uses
system and a technical team to measure the cetaceans through
frequencies audible to animals, this sonar uses inaudible
ultrasound sonar, similar to the three-dimensional ultrasound.
frequencies, even for the acute auditory system of cetaceans,
This mechanism, that the research group of the University of which are therefore completely innocuous.
Image obtained of an orca
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