Lanzarote´s newest tourist attraction – in the form of ten rare Humboldt penguins – are settling into their new home at the Guinate Tropical Park, near Maguez. Having arrived safely on Lanzarote last week after an epic journey from the Isle of Wight.
The young penguins – all aged a year and half or less – are the new star attractions at Guinate. Joining an existing cast list of around 1300 exotic bird and animal species at the wildlife park and botanical gardens.
And visitors to Lanzarote can now enjoy observing the new arrivals at feeding time – which takes place at the Park everyday at 11am and 4pm.
The birds were originally reared at Flamingo Park on the Isle of Wight – before relocating to their new place in the sun via a journey encompassing van rides, ferry crossings and finally a plane from Gatwick. And are now settling into their brand new purpose built pen and pool without a flap.
Humboldt penguins are an endangered species – it is estimated that there are only around 5,000 left in the wild. As the breed – already rare – was virtually decimated by the effects of the El Niño storm a couple of years ago. As a result, their immediate future depends upon the success of breeding programs in controlled environments such as the one planned at Guinate. Where the staff hope to encourage new additions to their penguin population over the coming years.
Penguins are usually associated with colder climates – such as the Antarctic. But this particular species is in fact well suited to the Canaries. As their natural environment is the more temperate climes of Latin America, where they usually breed in the coastal areas of Chile and Peru.
They take their name from the famous naturalist Alexander von Humboldt, who was one of the first explorers to discover and categorise the breed officially during his journeys around South America.
In penguin terms the birds are a medium-sized breed, growing to around 65-70 cm length and a maximum weight of 4.7 kg (10.4 lbs). A bulk acquired from the consumption of any small, oil rich fish, such as sprats or sardines.
To date, the penguins haven’t been given names – as their trainers are waiting to see how their personalities evolve first. But each bird can be individually identified by unique spots and markings on their chests. The penguins also have a black head with a white border running from behind the eye, around the black ear-coverts and chin, and down onto the throat.
They join an existing population at Guinate which includes a whole range of other beautiful birds. Such as ostriches, flamingoes, toucans, ibis, cranes, parrots and macaws. As well as an abundance of other wildlife, including monkeys, wallabies, lemurs and meerkats. All set amidst the delightful backdrop of 45,000 square metres of tropical gardens, waterfalls and lakes.
Younger visitors to Guinate will be especially delighted by the regular parrot shows staged throughout the day – featuring bike riding macaws, high wire walking parrots and many other amusing avian antics. As well as a walk through aviary area where breeds such as Weaver Birds can be seen building their own unique hanging nests.
How To Get There
Guinate Tropical Park also boasts a good quality restaurant and is an ideal destination for children. It can be reached by following the road from Haria in the direction of the Mirador del Rio, where you will see the signs for Guinate and the Park. Or alternatively, you can take the ring road around Arrecife to Tahiche, then head in the direction of Arrieta, through the village of Maguez and on to the road to Guinate.
Background Information
Open : Daily 10.00-17.00
Admission : Adult €14 Children €5
Parking : Free
Tel : 928 835 500
Web : Guinate Tropical Park
