News

International scientists confirm that the orca Morgan, rescued in Holland in 2010 and moved to Loro Parque in 2011 at the request of a Dutch judge, suffers a hearing loss that could be severe or even absolute. This is the conclusion reached by the experts, having made multiple hearing tests that took plac last week at the facilities of Orca Ocean.

The research team, composed of experts from the Netherlands Institute for Marine Resources and Ecosystem Study (IMARES) and many other experts from different part of the world, found that in all of the orca they could record brain responses to sound stimuli, except for Morgan. This study confirms the suspicions of the trainers and veterinarians of Loro Parque, who had warned that the animal did not seem to respond to sound signals.

With the confirmation of this hearing deficit, the trainers continue to make visual adaptations to the communication system for managing Morgan. At the same time, and in conjunction with the advice of specialists in animal behaviour from the Free University of Berlin, new lines of work will be developed that will allow us to understand in more detail the limitations of Morgan.

Morgan was rescued in a moribund state by the Dutch dolphinarium Harderwijk on June 23, 2010 and following the decision of the Dutch government, was moved to Loro Parque on the grounds that the facilities of Orca Ocean are the most appropriate to ensure the welfare of this marine mammal. Morgan currently exceeds 1400 kilos and eats more than 30 kilos of fish daily.

Over the last twelve months Morgan has been integrated into the group of orcas in Loro Parque and has established links with each of the specimens, as expected by the Dutch authorities when they decided not to release her in the absence of guarantees for her survival in the sea.
 

HolidayCheck, popular website leading the most influential online reputation sites in Europe, has included Costa Adeje Gran www.gfhoteles.com in their prestigious list “Quality Selection 2012”, where only top hotels are highlighted.

GF Hoteles , especially values the fact that their 5 star hotel in Costa Adeje has been selected to be in this exclusive group as the chryteria is based on personal, independent and spontaneous reviews that guests’ of Costa Adeje Gran have decided to share in this site.
HolidayCheck, has become in the last few years a reliable source of information for both travel industry professionals and travelers that can also determine a booking.
According to Mr. Eliseo Ortega, Hotel Manager , “being part of a special list with only 99 other hotels is, with no doubt, a nice appreciation to the work all our team is doing , who is making a permanent effort in order to make each stay something special to be reminded”.

HolidayCheck, offers users not only destination and hotel reviews also the chance to plan and book holidays, making personal contact easier through forums in several languages.
 

This week, three of the four hotels the canarian hotel Chain, GF Hoteles owns, Costa Adeje Gran Hotel, Hotel Fanabe Costa Sur and Hotel A. Isabel have received from EGL ECOENERGETICA in the Canaries, the green stamp. This certificate is given to those businesses where electric supplies come completely from renewable energy contributing to protect the environment and fighting against climate change.

The Green Stamp reflects the effort and responsibility of GF Hoteles getting energy only with a renewable origin guaranteed accepted by CNE and looking forward a sustainable future, a serious commitment with both, society and environment.

At GF Hoteles we share with guests and followers this certificate as it is in everybody’s hand the responsible use of energy and a sustainable attitude.

Continuing its compromise to constant innovation Siam Park started the current year 2012 as the reference of the new generation’s water-theme parks with incomparable attractions and with its new VIP Villa for 15 people that has surprised everybody since its opening. In this sense, Siam Park starts now its expansive stage with two new attractions that will stun children and adults.
The new mega ride, KINAREE, is now in the first stages of planning! It will be an attraction without precedent in aquatic parks and consists of adrenaline produced by high speeds with the emotion of a tornado wave, never ever before experienced in any other park in the world. To this injection of fun, we will also be enlarging the Kids’ Zone, with many exciting surprises for the younger ones in the family so that the fun is just inexhaustible.
Once again Siam Park continues surpassing itself with the fabulous and biggest artificial wave in the world that reaches a height of 4 meters. After carrying out some improvements of the system and after a valuation of the possibilities by some surfing-experts Siam Park could perfect the wave and make it the only one worldwide that reaches 4 meters of height and that breaks with such a power, that, for the surfers and those who love the emotion, a rush of adrenalin is for sure.
In addition to this stunning attraction several sharks and rays of different species are the amazing inhabitants of the aquarium of the big and dramatic Tower of Power which will surprise everyone who dares to explore it. These animals are now part of the great outdoor big aquarium, which was specially tailored for them with 1,500,000 litters of seawater and the best conditions of quality. Real sense of adrenaline and shocking dose of excitement are the feelings experienced by those who dare to live the adventure of gravity 0 in the Tower of Power, completing the feat by gliding through the transparent acrylic tube, with sharks, rays and other surprises which accompany the visitors at 5 inches away from them, before ending the tour of 28 meters of almost vertical fall. This slide confirms, therefore, the unique positioning of this new choice of leisure located in southern Tenerife, which defines a new dimension of leisure, pleasure and fun on the island, marking a before and after in the water parks concept.
More than three years have passed already since princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand inaugurated Siam Park, the kingdom of the water with the most spectacular aquatic attractions of Europe, in which the quality, excellence and technological innovation have been the keys of the success of the park and reason why it has fulfilled the expectations anticipated for his first year of existence. In spite of the difficult moments that the economic and tourist sector crosses, as well as the tough and cold winter that has lived Tenerife in the last season, Siam Park has managed to consolidate the awaited leadership and bets to continue supporting the Tenerife destiny, offering excellence in the facilities, which assures the well-being and enjoys all the visitors.
Throughout these years, Siam Park has been devoted as the best option of leisure of the south of Tenerife and thus demonstrates the originating visitors it of diverse countries of the world, that have enjoyed all their attractions in surroundings of exuberant vegetation and plenty of the mysticism of the old kingdom of Siam. Unexpected and exciting rides, magicians and mysterious corners and the facilities more outposts than exist leave without words that visit it.
Tropical scenes, natural gardens and an exquisite Eastern architectonic design, do of this new tourist proposal, a unique place in which all the family has her exclusive space for the diversion, the adventure, the emotion and the adrenalin. For that they prefer the rest, the tranquility and the nature, Siam Park offers diverse possibilities, with its white sand beach, exotic views, tropical gardens and relaxing strolls in crystalline waters of a slow river. This park, of 185,000 square meters of surface, counts on the technology more outpost than it makes of each attraction a unique and unique experience.
Record on exclusive attractions
Siam Park breaks world records with its attractions that offer fun and adventure. The “Mai Thai River” is the largest lazy river of the world with the highest elevation system, up to 8 meters. To make the surfer’s heart beats, Siam Park offers the biggest artificial wave of the world, 4 meters high and the park has the wider range of slides.
A very especial style
As Siam Park belongs to Loro Parque Group, the best quality is assured, as the company is internationally known for its high standards. The beautiful Thai architecture was created by professor Ruetai, who came especially from Bangkok University to design all the buildings and sculptures, down to the last detail to make sure that everything has a real Thai feel, but being careful not to offend the Thai religion and beliefs. From the unique slide designs incorporating dragons and laser shows, to the layout and composition of the 9,500 m2 beach, to the pumping and heating of the sea water that supplies the park, everything has been meticulously planned. A real difference in Siam Park is that the slides are set amongst lush sub tropical vegetation so they are almost camouflaged by the jungle-like scenery and therefore unlike other parks, where you can see all the metal supports and bases, this park leaves much more of the experience down to the imagination and heightens the mystery and surprise that await visitors.
Social and environment responsibility
In the Loro Parque Company, high standards of technical installations are key features in all their ventures. Naturally Siam Park follows this concept and above all is designed to respect the environment using the latest technological developments. The water for the park feeds directly from the sea into a special reservoir where it is then desalinated. The result is a closed circuit. In this way 600 cubic meters per day are filtered before feeding into the attractions. Water is then recycled afterwards to water the plants and keep the garden healthy.
The unique natural gas installation of the Canaries provides the machines of the park with the necessary energy and heat the water in the winter months at around 24ºC. This make possible to enjoy the park during the whole year. This big success contributes to produce 70% less contaminating emissions. And this again induces to conserve the balance of the environment. The water is repeatedly renovated, so that the care of health of the visitors is assured.

Energy saving
Siam Park strongly supports renewable, not polluting energies in order to contribute to the development of a sustainable tourism in Tenerife and to do so, together with Loro Parque, it has a field of photovoltaic conversion of 2,80 megawatt at its disposal in southern Tenerife. The total contribution of energy from photovoltaic conversion is thus 4.15 megawatt annually which helps to avoid the emission of more than 2.199 of CO2 into the atmosphere each year. Siam Park also contains a system of water purification and desalination, as well as the first natural gas plant built on the island to warm the water during the winter months, in order to ensure the comfort of visitors.
Breath-taking and fantastic attractions
The “Wave Palace” is an attraction without comparison; It produces the biggest handmade wave in the world, up to 3 meters high, but produces waves of 42 different types, sizes and shapes, and you can also relax on the whitest sandy beach of Canary islands, “Siam Beach”, with stunning views. The tropical “Mai Thai River” meanders through the park for the visitors to relax and enjoy as they drift along in the current of crystal clear water. They can sit back and take in the sights they pass by the exotic islands, the cascading waterfalls, and the spectacular aquarium. The “Mai Thai River” also holds the highest elevation system, a fast and a Jacuzzi area.
The kids have their own area, “Lost City”, where they become real adventurers, explore different secrets between the bridges, pools and waterfalls, and play with a lot of funny water games. The little ones have also their own exclusive area with special constructed slides for babies. Fun is safeguarded for the whole family.
For the speed lovers “Naga Racer” is the best possibility to race with friends or be like Indiana Jones in a family sized raft, experiencing lot of adventures, in the “Mekong Rapids”. In “The Giant” the visitors will feel the force of the centrifuge spins them round and round in a powerful twin cyclone. “Jungle Snake” offers a real jungle composed of different slides, fast and slowly, dark tunnels and open ones to enjoy the views, “Volcano” will envelop the visitors in a completely darkness and a laser show and The “Tower of Power” offers the absolute adrenaline hit, with his 28 meters vertical drop.
Park Services
Park opening hours
Everyday from 10:00 to 17:00 during winter, 18:00 during summer (subject to change).
Shops
The Floating Market will transport visitors to a typical Thai village scene where you will find everything you need to make your day in the park an enjoyable one: sun cream, swimming suits, sunglasses and much more. There´s a surf Billabong shop located at the beach.

Restaurants
There are 5 bars and restaurants offering a wide range of foods to choose from and you can dine either on the beach, by the Mai Thai River or in the Floating Market. It is not permitted to bring food into the park.
Changing Rooms
Changing rooms and showers are available.
Available to hire
Large Lockers, Small Lockers and Towels.
Sun beds and sunshades
Sun beds and umbrellas are included in the entrance fee (subject to availability) and are distributed on the islands and Siam Beach. There are life vests also available.
Private Cabanas
Private Cabanas for up to 4 people are available for hire during park opening hours for a real special day out. Guests are met at the park entrance and each given a bracelet which permits them to a limited all inclusive service in the Beach Bar, Beach Club, Thai Bar and Thai House. Guests will be accompanied to their Cabanas by one of our Public Relations. Each cabana has 4 sun beds, shower on the terrace, towels, fan, sofa, TV and DVD player, WIFI connection and a mini bar with refreshments, beer and snacks. Prices are 400€ per Cabana for up to 4 people (this includes park entrance) and bookings can be made on Siam Park website www.siampark.net or by contacting the sales department directly at sales@siampark.net, Tel.: +34 902 060 000 ext. 422.
How to get here
Free bus service
Siam has its very own double-deck buses which pick up guests in Los Cristianos, Playa de las Americas and Costa Adeje.
By public bus
The nearest bus station is Playa de las Americas TITSA bus station and is in front of the park
By car
Exit 28 from the south highway. There is also a guest car park available at 3€ per day.

www.siampark.net

Baby dolphin Ilse, along with young orcas Adán and Morgan, who was recently rescued in the Netherlands, are undisputed protagonists of the most award-winning Zoo in Spain.
Dozens of new water, land and air animals populate the Park and confirm the success of its animal breeding and welfare programme.

Loro Parque, one of the most beautiful zoological and environmental parks in the world, continues expanding its current leisure attractions with amazing news that will surprise visitors of all ages. Exclusively in 2012, there will be a brand new exhibition of white Bengal Tigers, additional aviaries with new parrot species, offspring of meerkats and marmosets, as well as a fully renovated sea lion stadium where children and adults will enjoy these endearing marine mammals that inspire love towards nature.
Almost forty years after it opened its doors for the first time, Loro Parque returns to its origins, the parrots, and bets more strongly than ever on showing the beauty of biodiversity in all its exhibits. Under a captivating message of conservation, Loro Parque is also preparing the renewal of its parrot show, the first of its kind in the world and a great attraction that will surprise our visitors with a brand new presentation in 2012. Multimedia effects and a dreamlike architecture will make it possible for this great show to combine the emotions that parrots from the most exotic regions evoke together with the wonders of nature and all that we can do to protect it.
A real Baby Boom joins these new attractions, beginning with the recent birth of the dolphin Ilse along with the newly arrived orca Morgan (rescued in the Netherlands), meerkat and marmoset offspring and hundreds of chicks of different parrot species, who all now populate now the Park and have become the centre of attention of both children and adults. Likewise, in the new tropical macaw aviary, various species of these majestic birds blend in a triumphal flight, forming a veritable symphony of colour and moving the visitor to the heart of wild America. This breeding success is without doubt the best main indicator of the welfare that the animals enjoy in their different ecosystems.
The new film Planet Life adds to the beauty of all these baby animals and will be exclusively showed in our Naturavisión theatre. It was especially created by the co-producers of Oceans to inspire love for nature and to show the beauty of biodiversity in high definition.
Katandra Treetops is also a great adventure that causes a big sensation. In the Australian Aboriginal language, the word Katandra means “song of birds” and this attraction is one of the largest and most impressive free flight aviaries that exist on the planet where visitors can have a close look at hundreds of exotic birds of different species and subspecies from Australia and Asia with their nests. Colourful Rainbow loris, cockatoos, ducks, emus and fruit doves, among many other birds, are the inhabitants of this wonderful aviary that combines lush tropical vegetation with a jungle atmosphere, making this walk across a suspension bridge one of the favourite spots for the entire family. Katandra Treetops is the latest big attraction Loro Parque has opened and it consists of a structure of stainless steel that weighs more than 21 tons and reaches a height of 27 meters within a gigantic space of more than 27,000 m3 conceived for the free flight of birds.
It is approaching 40 years since Loro Parque opened its doors for the first time and it has now grown to one of the best known and most respected zoological gardens in the world, both for its exceptional beauty, excellent facilities and installations as for its focus on nature and the environment. For these reasons Loro Parque is the world’s first zoological park awarded with the international environment certification “Biosphere Park – Animal Embassy”, a seal of quality developed by the Institute of Responsible Tourism (ITR), linked to UNESCO, whose aim is the application of sustainable practices in parks and zoos. Hence a set of responsibility criteria was defined, encompassing issues related to animal care and welfare together with visitors´ safety, as well as other aspects linked to environment conservation such as energy use, water and waste management, product consumption, soil quality, among others. After the creation of this certificate, Loro Parque has been audited by the ITR to assess its compliance with the criteria and the parameters of sustainability and well-being required therein. In this sense, it is the first zoo to obtain this international recognition, together with its compliance of ISO 14001 and EMAS requirements.
Founded on December 17, 1972, this wonderful park was initially conceived as a paradise for parrots and has developed over the years into one of the biggest attractions of the Canary Islands, with over 43 million visitors so far. Currently, it is home to a wide range of animal species set amongst tropical palm trees and exotic vegetation with stunning Thai architecture, depicting the charm and richness of this ancient culture.
Located in the heart of Puerto de la Cruz and La Orotava Valley Coast, which is the greenest area of the North of Tenerife, it enjoys privileged climate conditions with mild temperatures in winter as well as during the summer. Therefore, any time of the year is a good opportunity to enjoy this paradise and join its worship to nature. It all began with just 13.000 square metres designed to recreate the natural habitats of the animals. Nowadays the park has grown to 10 times its initial size covering an area of 135.000 m2 that houses the world’s largest and most diverse reserve of parrots with 350 different species and subspecies and over 4.000 birds. Likewise, it houses other extraordinary animals such as dolphins, sea lions, gorillas, chimpanzees and penguins, together with an aquarium and 6 majestic orcas, among other wonderful species.
One of the most striking attractions of Loro Parque is OrcaOcean, considered world’s most modern and innovative installation for orcas. Opened in February 2006, it can host up to 2.800 people at a time to enjoy a show like no other. There is our group of four SeaWorld (United States) orcas, together with the small baby Adán, born in the Park in 2010 and Morgan, a young orca rescued by the Dutch Dolphinarium of Harderwijk and that was moved to Loro Parque as ordered by a Dutch Court for her survival and with the aim of giving her a better home together with other orcas.
The emblem of Loro Parque is, in addition to its diversity, the quality of its infrastructure, as well as the seriousness and environmental awareness with which each space and detail of the Park, in absolute accordance with nature has developed.

Apart from the range of animals and attractions, Loro Parque stands out for the quality of its infrastructure and its focus on the environment throughout the park, and it features some of the best facilities in the world as well as a professional team of specialists. For these reasons Loro Parque has been honoured with many national and international awards over the years such as the “Green Tree” from the Ministry of Tourism in Germany, the “Award of Excellence” from TUI UK, and the prestigious “International Environment Award” from the Tour Operator TUI in Germany.
Loro Parque has also received the “Merit for Tourism” and the “Gold Medal for Tourism” several times from the Ministry of Business and Tourism of Spain. It is also the only company in the Canary Islands with the distinction of receiving the “Prince Felipe Award for Business Excellence”.
Energy saving
Loro Parque has a firm commitment to renewable and clean energy to contribute to the development of sustainable tourism in Tenerife and, due to that, it has implemented its own purification and desalination system, as well as 5-eco-points distributed throughout the park, through which the visitors discard waste separately in order to facilitate the rubbish collection for further appropriate treatment. Loro Parque has also created a photovoltaic energy plant located in the south of Tenerife providing with 2,75 MW of photovoltaic power. Since the plant started to work over 2,75 MWh of energy is generated annually, which stops the emission of more than 2,000 tons of CO2 into the atmosphere each year.
Loro Parque Foundation: 100% for nature
Loro Parque Foundation is an international charitable institution set up to highlight the need for conservation of nature and the environment. It was founded in 1994 with the aim of protecting parrots and their habitats and has built up the most diverse collection in the world which is an important genetic reserve for the future. The Foundation also undertakes many educational projects regarding conservation of nature.

Loro Parque donated the entire reserve of its parrot species to the Foundation. The value of this genetic reserve is beyond calculation. Loro Parque also covers all the costs of its management, so that 100% of the income received goes towards conservation projects. As a result Loro Parque invests in nature, through the Foundation, nearly 3 million US Dollars each year.
At the moment, the foundation undertakes 36 conservation projects in addition to educational programmes that combine the use of new technologies with the educational activities at schools. In 2007 Loro Parque Foundation promoted and sponsored the creation of a marine reserve in the area of the Macaronesia for the conservation of cetaceans that are found there. This project was endorsed both by UNESCO and by the countries that are part of the Atlantic Coast of West Africa that had signed an international agreement.
The parrot genetic reserve of Loro Parque Foundation is the most diverse in the world and as such is an essential resource for the international scientific community. Several pioneering research projects have been developed by different experts and researchers, as for example on artificial insemination and Veterinary Pathology and virology.
These educational and preservation objectives are achieved through teaching and research projects, as well as with responsible breeding programmes and conservation activities. These initiatives have been supported by many businesses and private companies which sponsor the Foundation and contribute each year so that the projects are optimized. This investment has reached more than 11 million dollars in 88 projects in situ in 5 continents.

More information at www.loroparque.com and www.facebook.com/loroparque