Selwo Marina, Benalmadena

In Benalmádena, is an innovative concept in fauna parks, exhibiting the most representative species of South America. It has the only Dolphinarium and Ice Penguinarium in Andalucia. Selwo Marina provides, within its 1,67 hectares of space, an adventure which takes you to different scenes in South America where you will discover, little by little, its most charismatic landscapes and fauna.

In Selwo Marina both Dolphins and Sea Lions can be observed at close range in the Las Antillas area. This is a modern Dolphinarium where special care has been taken to ensure that its architecture be in accord with the most innovative technologies available in this type of installation. The huge exhibition pool has an innovative design which allows the visitor a perfect view of the dolphins and sea lions from all angles, full enjoyment of all the skills and dexterity of the animals and their keepers on the surface and under the water.

The Exotic Birds of Selwo Marina are in the Amazonian, an area specifically equipped to showcase the skilful flights of colourful birds. And in the Ice Island, the only Ice Penguinarium in Andalucí the installation is completely glassed in to enable the visitor to observe the Selwo Marina family of penguins and how they live; they consist of King, Gentoo, Magellanic and Macaroni Penguins.

The Crocodile Bay enclosure recreates a mangrove and allows us to see different types of tropical dwarf crocodiles. Also, very close by in Amazonia we have lots of different creatures from the tropical jungles. We have all the most well-known and important species: pacu piranhas, stingrays, catfish, yellow anacondas, basilisks and also our Amazonian anthill, a great way of seeing how leaf-cutting and pruning ants live.

Selwo Marina has a large children.s play area where the very young will be able to enjoy a playground created specially for them. And in addition to this, we also have all those services which make for the perfect enjoyment of a day out in our Park, such as snack bars, restaurants and Selwo Marina gift shops.

Objectives

Conscious of the critical status of many species in their natural habitats and the conservation problems relating to them, Selwo Marina has developed a new concept in enclosures to host different species and achieve three key objectives: conservation, research and education.

Associations

AIZA . Iberian Association of Zoos and Aquaria

The Iberian Association of Zoos and Aquaria (AIZA) is a non-profit-making entity which groups together the main zoological parks and aquaria of Spain and Portugal.

It began life as the Spanish Association of Zoos and Aquaria (AEZA). Over the years it gradually grew and from 1998 the number of associates increased quickly to forty. Part of this growth must be attributed to the joining in the year 2000 of the Portuguese zoos and aquaria, event which led to the change in name from AEZA to the current AIZA.

Website: http://www.aiza.org.es

EAZA - European Association of Zoos and Aquaria

Promotes cooperation for the conservation of fauna, in particular internationally coordinated breeding programmes for wild animals such as the European Programmes for Species in Danger of Extinction (EEP). It promotes environmental education.

Website: http://www.eaza.net

WAZA - World Association of Zoos and Aquariums

The World Association of Zoos and Aquaria is the "umbrella" organization for the worldwide community of zoos and aquaria. Amongst its members are the leading Zoos and Aquaria of the world, together with Zoo and Aquaria Associations both on a regional and national level, as well as other affiliated organizations, such as Zoo Veterinarians or Zoo educators the world over. Together they are "United for Conservation".

web: http://www.waza.org

Collaborations

Selwo Marina participates in a number of breeding in captivity programmes for endangered species (EEP.s). An important job which contributes to the conservation and reproduction of species in danger of extinction on our Planet.