The long-awaited Poema del Mar aquarium has opened in Gran Canaria. Atlantic marine conservation is at the heart of the new Loro Parque attraction in Las Palmas.
Multi-coloured shark silhouettes were projected onto the façade of the new building as the inauguration of Poema del Mar (Poem of the Sea) took place this week. The innovative new aquarium is just 200 metres from the famous Las Canteras Beach, where it is sited adjacent to Cruise Ship Pier in the Sanapu Dock.
The aquarium spreads over 12.500 square metres. It features over 350 species and is committed to innovation, conservation, biodiversity and sustainable tourism.
The aquarium has three different zones dedicated to surface marine ecosystems, deep marine ecosystems and fresh water species. Visitors start by being immersed in the ‘Jungle’, recreating the landscapes of various parts of the world. They then visit the ‘Reef’, a 400,000 litre cylinder of water inhabited by fish and coral reefs. Finally they reach the ‘Deep Sea’ featuring the largest curved window in the world.
Poema del Mar focus on Atlantic marine conservation
Poema del Mar focuses on Atlantic marine conservation, in coordination with the Loro Parque Foundation. The foundation has more than 20 years of experience. In addition, it has been involved in over 100 conservation projects in 30 countries worldwide. In total it has invested $17m in the conservation of highly endangered species.
Loro Parque’s commitment to biodiversity and protection of the environment has also been recognised with a host of awards over its 45-year history. Loro Parque’s Siam Park won TripAdvisor’s Best Zoo and Best Water Park in the World in 2017. Furthermore, the water park based in Tenerife has won the award for four consecutive years.
The Poema del Mar aquarium has been called a project of ‘strategic, regional interest’ by the Canary Islands authorities. The hope is that the new attraction will reinforce Gran Canaria and all the adjacent islands as a top international tourist destination.
