Because the male and female lions share anniversaries this month, the biology team has prepared a "celebration" that has awakened their wild side. This action, included in animal welfare protocols, also serves to draw attention to the alarming situation of lions in Africa, with just over 20.000 individuals according to the IUCN Red List.
BIOPARC Valencia has reached its 18th anniversary, and time also passes for the animals it houses. Tatawhich was the first lioness born in the park, has just turned 15, Shanga 11 and the male Lubango 10. With this coincidence of triple anniversary in AprilThe animal care staff wanted to prepare a special event and this morning in the spectacular lion enclosure there was a real wild "party".
Environmental enrichment for lions
Ice creams flavored with blood and palm leaf "piñatas" stuffed with meat, hung high to encourage physical agility, as well as elements to motivate them to use their claws to reach the food. In short, a veritable feast for these fierce carnivores, prepared with all the care and professionalism in the world. environmental enrichment within animal welfare protocols which aim to stimulate innate behavior, encouraging exploration and contributing to their physical, psychological and social balance.
Many people, including numerous foreign and domestic tourists who have come to visit what is considered one of the best animal parks in the world, have been amazed to see this activity that allows the focus to be placed on the conservation of this emblematic African speciesAs top predators, they play a essential role in the balance of ecosystemsby regulating herbivore populations. However, their current situation in the wild is very precarious.
According to data from the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), lions are listed as vulnerable and It is estimated that between 22.000 and 25.000 individuals remain.This represents a 30% reduction in its already decimated population in just the last 20 years. This alarming decline is mainly due to habitat loss, the illegal trade and trafficking of meat, and poaching.
The BIOPARC Foundation and the conservation of lions
Given this scenario, the role of institutions like BIOPARC Valencia is essential. The park participates in the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP) for the preservation of this speciesIt also develops in-situ conservation projects promoted by the BIOPARC Foundation, including Gran AmboseliFocused on the savanna as one of Africa's most important ecosystems, promoting the survival of elephants, lions and other key species, protecting the territory and its ecological corridors.
Belonging to the subspecies of Angolan lion (Panthera leo bleyenberghiThe three "birthday celebrants" live in an area that recreates the so-called Kopjes of the African savanna, with impressive rocky lookouts that allow visitors to appreciate these great felines in all their majesty. Undoubtedly, One of the most striking sights for visitors at BIOPARC is being able to admire them watching over giraffes, impalas, antelopes, ostriches and birds such as the jabiru and the sacred ibis., without any apparent visual barrier, thanks to the cutting-edge zoo-immersion design, which faithfully reproduces its habitat.
International Day for the Conservation of Amphibians: Special activity tomorrow, April 25
The last Saturday of April is International Amphibian Conservation Day and BIOPARC Valencia joins in this commemoration.
Amphibians, such as frogs, toads, or salamanders, They have unique adaptations which makes them play a key role in the balance of ecosystems, such as controlling populations of insects and other arthropods and acting as indicators of ecosystem health. Unfortunately, it is estimated that more than a third of existing amphibian species are threatened with extinction.
From 10:00 a.m. to 13:30 p.m. Get to know the fascinating world of amphibians up close with an educational activity On the central boulevard, visitors can learn about the characteristics of these striking animals, as well as their main threats. In addition, several specimens of the Iberian ribbed newt (Gallipato), a species native to the Valencian Community whose conservation is a key focus of the BIOPARC Foundation, will be on display.
A fun program has been prepared for children. face painting to become ambassadors for amphibian conservationFrom 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Equatorial Jungle Theatre. Check the schedule of activities in the BIOPARC AGENDA.
