Palmitos Park, Maspalomas, Gran Canaria

In June, I had the good fortune to pay yet another visit to my favourite holiday island of Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands. Unlike my native England the weather was superb throughout and I was able to enjoy many delightful walks and read a couple of really good novels. The highlight of my vacation this time was a return trip, after several years, to Palmitos Park.

Situated high up in the hills above Maspalomas in the south of the island it is a zoological and botanical park located in a very natural setting. Animal and vegetal species from all over the world can be viewed anywhere across its 200,000 metre expanse. This subtropical oasis, set in a location of stunning natural beauty, is unique for the careful balance and harmony between the park's facilities and nature.

Back in 1978, Palmitos Park was launched as an ornithological and botanical shelter, later opened to the public. Today it is one of the most popular theme parks in Spain and her Territories.

They have gathered in their zoological collection a large number of endangered species, many of which are included in European Breeding Programmes. On a walk through the park I visited the Orchid House, the Butterfly House where hundreds of butterflies flutter in an enclosure that recreates their original tropical habitat, and then enjoy the sight of impressive reptiles such as caimans. Also, the aquarium was a pure delight with a reproduction of a riverbed and its tropical salt-water fish, plus a large interactive enclosure that gave me the chance to get a close look at flamingos, ibises and other birds.

My most enjoyable experience was the birds of prey open air flight show against a backdrop of spectacular views of the gully. I was able to observe how some of the most striking birds of prey fly, hunt and behave. This was followed by an open air exotic bird show which included marabous, ibises, the amusing kookaburras and a flight of macaws.

However, my most abiding memory will be of the three magnificent Orangutans residing in an open air, spacious and most natural island habitat. They are from Borneo and Sumatra and form part of the endangered species breeding programme. With two amusing white-handed Gibbon primates to keep them company they all looked very happy and contented.

I cannot wait to return to Palmitos Park someday soon and I thoroughly recommend it to anyone visiting the beautiful island of Gran Canaria. Their website can be found at http://www.palmitospark.es/