Loro Parque unveils Coral Kingdom the largest reef outside the ocean

Coral Kingdom, Loro Parque's newest installation, was officially inaugurated yesterday, the largest coral reef outside the ocean, offering a unique immersive experience. Almost 40 metres in length, it features over 8,000 corals of 70 different species and approximately 10,000 fish, in a glass structure containing 260,000 litres of water, providing a sense of movement and fluidity.

Wolfgang Kiessling, the president of Loro Parque, emphasised the significance of corals and the group's commitment to preserving this critical species, describing them as "the beauty of the seas".

Mr Kiessling underlined the role of zoological and botanical gardens as guardians of wildlife and exotic species, stating that without their intervention, life for these creatures would be more challenging.

He highlighted the efforts of the Loro Parque Foundation, which was established in 1994 to recover endangered species. Thanks to their work, 12 species of parrots have been saved from extinction, and initiatives to eliminate harmful materials like plastic are ongoing.

Currently, Loro Parque Foundation is engaged in 80 active projects worldwide, including CanBio, which investigates the impact of climate change on the waters and marine biodiversity of the Canary Islands, and in collaboration with regional governments and universities, they strive to protect marine ecosystems.

The installation, scheduled to open to the public in the next few days, was unveiled with the presence of a large audience and dignitaries, including Bishop Bernardo Álvarez of the Nivariense Diocese, who blessed the facility, as well as Rosa Dávila, President of the Tenerife Cabildo, and Marco González, Mayor of Puerto de la Cruz.

Mayor González praised Loro Parque's invaluable contribution to promoting Puerto de la Cruz as a tourist destination, emphasising the importance of attracting not only more visitors but also those with greater awareness and commitment to sustainability.

Addressing critics of zoos, González stressed that Loro Parque stands as a beacon of commitment and sustainability, showcasing a diverse world within a charming setting. He emphasised the need to value Loro Parque's contributions to dispel ignorance and misinformation.

Rosa Dávila highlighted the critical state of coral reefs, with only 1% of the ocean's surface covered by corals, essential for the survival of numerous species of fish. She warned of the potential loss of 90% of coral reefs by 2050, underlining the devastating consequences for marine ecosystems, both in Tenerife and the surrounding sea.