07 June 2010
Posted in Things to do in Tenerife

The Jungle Park, or Parque las Aguilas, or the Eagle Park - This famous Tenerife attraction is known by several names, but for the purposes of this article, let's just call it the Jungle Park. It features a host of animals and birds, all set in a true tropical jungle setting. Europe's first zoological and botanical gardens providing education and entertainment for the whole family. This Tenerife attraction is a true adventurers paradise complete with walkways and rope bridges throughout the 75,000m2 of jungle.

Jungle Park itself covers an area of just under 20 acres and includes over 300 species of animals and birds. The attractions include the "birds of prey" show where you can watch many different species of eagles, vultures and storks fly in complete freedom before returning to the arms of the trainer. There is also the "exotic bird show" featuring parrots and macaws and other tropical birds. For the adventurer why not try the jungle raid, a web of intricate paths, bridges, passageways and tunnels which stretches more than 300m through the terrain, or the Bob, over 800m of track which can accelerate you through the park at great speeds.

You will find The Jungle Park just outside the village of Chayofa, a short distance from the major tourist resorts of Playa de las Americas and Los Cristianos. From the TF-1 Motorway exit at junction 72, direction Los Cristianos and Arona. Follow the signs to Arona on the TF-28 for exactly one and a half kilometres. On the right hand side of the road you will see a brightly painted ten foot high eagle, turn right here and follow the signs to the park entrance. If you are arriving by hire car then there is ample free parking directly in front of the park entrance. There is also a free bus service running throughout the day from designated pick up areas in the main tourist resorts.

Exhibitions/Shows

Birds of Prey Show

The birds of prey show is marketed as one of the best free flight shows in the world. Shown twice a day, this remarkable display allows you to see a wide variety of natural predators in their true habitat. As you sit in the small arena in the park, you will experience all of the birds at close hand, as well as seeing the birds fly away, only to be summoned back at the trainers call. This is a fantastic show that all members of the family will enjoy and should not be missed.

Exotic Bird Show

The exotic bird show is shown two times a day in the main outdoor arena. Here you will experience the skills of parrots, macaws, and hornbills as they entertain you in full flight, on the ground and interacting with people.

Birds of Prey

Eagles

There are few creatures in the world that that convey the sheer power, strength and speed as these majestic birds, especially when they are in full flight. Watch them as they nose dive from incredible heights in to a small pool as the birds of prey show off their fishing skills. Two of the main species in Jungle Park are The American Bald Eagle and The Loud-Mouthed Eagle. The American eagle is better known as the national symbol of the United States, but it is also the iconic flagship bird of the Jungle Park.

Falcons

Falcons are by right the fastest creatures on earth. These fantastic birds specialize in capturing prey while they are in full flight as well as being able to capture prey on land. Nature has provided the falcon with the perfect body and wing shape allowing the bird to reach top speeds that no other creature can dream of.

Vultures

Some vultures can have a wing span of almost three meters and are some of the biggest birds in the world. Vultures do not attack their prey; instead they are known to eat only dead animals. Vultures have very powerful beaks which are easily capable of tearing flesh from its dead host, but their claws are more designed for walking. Vultures have very long necks and are featherless; this allows them to deeply penetrate the dead carcasses that they feed on. They do not fly anywhere near as fast as eagles or falcons, instead, due to there large wingspan they gain altitude by taking advantage of upward air currents allowing them to patrol their territory for many hours at a time.

Other Birds

The Jungle Park has an array of other birds which include flamingos, storks, swans, parrots, macaws, ibises and an abundance of exotic birds that bring a further touch to this small sub-tropical paradise.

Primates

As well as eagles, falcons and exotic birds, you will find many different sorts of primates at Jungle Park. These incluse orang-utans, gibbons, chimpanzees, mandrills, lemurs and a selection of different monkeys. The parks design allows you to see these animals in their natural beauty and habitat.

Cats

There are a few species of wild cats at The Jungle Park, but the ones that stand out are the two South African white lions. Now an endangered species with numbers rapidly decreasing around the world, these fine animals are displayed in addition to leopards, jaguars, tigers, pumas and two brown African lions.

Other Park Attractions

The Jungle Raid

For a real jungle experience the park has set up its own Jungle Raid. Visitors will experience a thrilling 300 metre circuit through the sub-tropical gardens and trees. Climb ropes, pass through tunnels and rope bridges in this true Indiana Jones styled attraction.

Bob Sleigh

The Bob Sleigh or Bob as it is known in the park is an 800 metre down-hill, twin track, high speed, jungle crossing. Jump in your bob sleigh before being pulled up to the top of the mountain track. Here you will travel back down through the park at high speeds. This is a fun filled ride for all the family but admission to this ride is NOT included in the entrance ticket price.

Other Animals

Penguins

The very small Humboldt Penguins have a home in the park and contrary to popular belief, these penguins are not from the freezing cold Antarctica, but are from South America. These penguins really love the warmth and you will see them basking in the Canarian sunshine four hours on end.

Pigmy Hippopotamus

The Pigmy Hippos live in the African jungle and are a lot smaller than any other hippopotamus species. They are vegetarian, which surprises most people. The park has recreated the natural habitat for these hippos and they felt so comfortable in their new surroundings, that little Tapon was born in to this world. Bring the family to come and see this peculiar little family. It is a sheer pleasure to stand and watch them playing in their own environment.

Reptiles

There is a nice selection of reptiles housed at The Jungle Park and this includes snakes, iguanas and turtles. Come and see them as they would appear in their natural habitat, gradually recharging their batteries as the suns rays gain intensity.

Crocodiles and Caimans

Few animals install such fear as crocodiles and caimans, these large reptiles are some of the most ferocious species on the planet. Contrary to belief crocs do not chew their victims, but use their powerful jaws to tear up their prey before devouring it. Come to Jungle Park and see our selection of fresh water crocs and caimans.

Raccoons, Meerkats and Red Pandas

Raccoons are slightly larger than a domestic cat but manage to really look like a child's teddy bear. These sociable American mammals usually live by rivers and water holes in the mixed forests of North America. Red Pandas however, are also slightly bigger than a domestic cat. They have a reddish brown coat and a long shaggy tail. When walking these cute little animals appears to waddle, which is due to their shorter front legs. The Red Pandas are generally a nocturnal animal and are largely sedentary during the day.

Meerkats are a member of the mongoose family and originate from South Africa. A group of meerkats is called a gang or clan and can contain up to 50 members. They have an average life span of 12-14 years and are both lively and shy.

• The park is open daily from 10.00am until 5.30pm all year round.
• The exotic bird show is shown twice daily at 11.00am and 2.30pm
• The birds of prey show is also shown twice daily at noon and 4.00pm

Images of the Jungle Park

(click for full size)