Palmitos Park
 |
|
| Date opened | 1978 Re-opened: 2008 |
|---|---|
| Location | Gran Canaria, Spain |
| Coordinates | 27°50′01″N 15°37′02″W / 27.833621°N 15.617162°WCoordinates: 27°50′01″N 15°37′02″W / 27.833621°N 15.617162°W |
| Land area | 49 acres |
| Number of species |
Cacti: 160 Palm trees: 42 Birds: 230 |
| Major exhibits | Dolphins, birds of prey, eagles, owls, reptiles, gibbons, meerkats, exotic birds, aquarium |
| Website |
www |
Palmitos Park is a 20-hectare (49-acre) botanical garden, aviary and zoo on the island of Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain.
The park is located in a countryside-like area, near Pilancones Natural Park, towards south of the island; about 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) north of the tourist beaches and dunes of Maspalomas, but towards the interior. The park has a humid subtropical climate.
There is a terrace near a fountain, along a path that leads up to the amphitheater where flying birds of prey perform in shows. Next to the amphitheater there is a snack bar, and a small café can be found in the park.
One feature of the park is the great wealth of cacti and succulents. There are over 160 different cactus types, and 1000 palm trees of 42 different types.
Parrot-like birds are well represented in the park, but other types of birds can also be found, including swans and ducks. Overall, there are over 1,500 exotic birds of 230 different species. Many fly freely around the park.
Palmitos Park holds Europe's largest butterfly venue, as well as the biggest Orchid collection on the island.
Near the exit - behind the souvenir shop, one can admire hummingbirds that fly very visibly in front of their food.
Variety of plants in Palmitos Park
The entrance in 2006, shortly before the fire that destroyed the park
Tourists watching fish in the aquarium
A herichthys carpintis fish at Palmitos Park
A bald eagle during a show
A meerkat at Palmitos Park
A monarch butterfly in the Butterfly House
A birds of prey display
A bird show in progress at Palmitos Park
...
Wikipedia