Loro Parque’s Cetacean Exhibition Kicks Off for 2025/2026 School Year

This weekend marked a significant milestone as the Itinerant Cetacean Exhibition officially reopened, heralding the beginning of its journey for the 2025/2026 school year. The exhibition made its debut at the First Nautical Fair of the Canary Islands, hosted at the Santa Cruz de Tenerife exhibition center. It will remain in this location until June before embarking on a tour across the archipelago, bringing its vital message about marine life to various communities.

Organized by the Loro Parque Fundación and bolstered by the support of Fundación “la Caixa” through Caixabank, Fred Olsen, and Archipiélago Renting, this initiative is designed to foster awareness and appreciation for marine biodiversity. The previous iteration of the exhibition was a resounding success, attracting over 14,000 visitors and collaborating with 75 schools, showcasing its profound impact on the local educational landscape. Additionally, educational programs spearheaded by the Loro Parque Group and Loro Parque Fundación have reached more than 40,000 schoolchildren, significantly enhancing its outreach and educational influence.

Distinguished Guests at the Grand Opening

The inauguration ceremony was attended by a host of notable figures, including Christoph Kiessling, President of the Loro Parque Group; Lope Afonso, Vice President of the Cabildo of Tenerife; and Manuel Fernández, Island Councillor for Industry, Trade, Primary Sector, and Animal Welfare. The event also saw the presence of Ricardo Fernández de la Puente, Director of Institutional Relations at the Loro Parque Group, alongside various representatives from both the business and governmental sectors, all of whom share a vested interest in marine conservation and education.

A Commitment to Educational Excellence

Christoph Kiessling expressed his excitement about the exhibition’s return, emphasizing the remarkable quality and scale of the life-sized cetacean replicas on display. This marks the third consecutive year of this educational project, which has garnered enthusiastic support from the local educational community. The exhibition serves as a crucial platform for educating the public about the diverse cetacean species inhabiting the waters around the Canary Islands.

In addition to its educational mission, the exhibition supports two pivotal initiatives led by Loro Parque Fundación aimed at protecting these marine mammals: the establishment of a Marine Sanctuary in Macaronesia and the advocacy for a moratorium on military sonar usage in the waters surrounding the Canary Islands. These initiatives reflect a broader commitment to marine conservation and the protection of vulnerable species.

Engaging and Interactive Learning Opportunities

Beyond simply providing information about cetaceans, the exhibition offers an innovative and engaging educational experience. Attendees can utilize augmented reality technology to explore the various species represented in the exhibition, thereby enhancing their understanding of marine life in a dynamic and interactive manner. This approach not only captivates the audience but also fosters a deeper connection to the subject matter.

For over twenty years, Loro Parque Fundación has been unwavering in its commitment to raising awareness about the cetaceans of Macaronesia through a variety of outreach methods. These include informative panels, audiovisual productions, educational talks, whale-watching excursions, and active engagement on social media platforms. This multifaceted approach underscores the organization’s dedication to species protection and the conservation of their natural habitats, ensuring that the message of marine conservation resonates with a broad audience.

Key points

• The Itinerant Cetacean Exhibition opened at the First Nautical Fair of the Canary Islands.
• It will travel across the Canary Islands until June 2026.
• Over 14,000 participants attended the previous edition of the exhibition.
• The initiative has reached more than 40,000 schoolchildren through educational programs.
• Key figures at the event included Christoph Kiessling and Lope Afonso.
• The exhibition aims to raise awareness about cetacean diversity and marine conservation.
• Augmented reality is used to enhance the educational experience for attendees.