Loro Parque - a unique zoo experience worth the time!

We've been to Siam Park - Thai themed water park that is a must see in Tenerife.  In order to get the best deal, you can buy tickets for both Siam Park and it's sister attraction, Loro Parque for a discounted rate.  Again, Thai themed!  So fun!

It's such a "must see" attraction that even Michael Jackson was there, why shouldn't we?  Ha ha, who knew he went there anyways?  But hey, there's the picture and proof!  I wonder if he was a big deal in Tenerife like in the states.  Hmm

Deemed as one of the best modern zoos in the world, this little plot of land has quite the diversity in personalities and is neatly laid out. 

The first show we attended was the dolphin show.  There is no doubt that people who run this park are passionate about the wellbeing of every animal at this park - especially the marine life!  Enzo could not stop staring at the show!  The dolphins really put on a great jumping show.

We ALL enjoyed the show!  What a great way to start the day!

Then we were off to the next show, the sea lions!  It was my favorite show!  The theme was so fun!  The trainers talked about the difference between seal lions and seals as well as all sorts of marine conservation issues. Man, I laughed so hard during the show.  The sea lions and the trainers had great personalities!

There was thing for sure about this place...no matter where we turned, we were in awe, constantly amazed.  Boy they really were clever and we all loved it.  It's quite a small zoo but they used each space efficiently with everything you can imagine. 

Onward to the third show!  The Killer Whales!  As a tribute to the Ukraine, right before the Killer Whale show, "Give Peace a Chance" was playing as the Ukraine flag was displayed on the big screen.  

YES!  We were front and center. You see, this was one of those days we had to have Enzo in his special chair.  We knew it would have been a very overwhelming day for Enzo.  He feels more comfortable in his special chair and boy were we right because around 4pm he was too overwhelmed and emotional and we had some serious problems as Enzo began to yell and cry.  There was nothing we could do to calm him down....but before that the chair kept Enzo comfortable and we were able to enjoy the shows with no emotional outbursts. In fact, Enzo had a blast - we all did.  

Sitting front row was so fun.  We were not in the "Splash Zone" and boy were we glad.  ha ha. I remember those days of getting soaked.

Yep, I totally remember getting soaked in the "Splash Zone" when I was a kiddo so I was okay with not getting soaked.  I couldn't stop laughing.  

Eli said he wanted to be soaked but after it was all over he too was glad he sat with us front and center!

Sometimes just watching the inquisitive look in Eli's and Enzo's eyes kept me entertained.  I would have loved to have been in their heads and listening to what they thought of all they saw.  Boy Eli asked a lot of questions. 

There was so much to see but I think my favorite part was inside with all the aquariums that share with you the different marine life in the different areas all over the world from the Pacific to the Atlantic, Caribbean and more. 

If it were possible, we would have stayed there all day long.  We were mesmerized.  

The aquarium even had a tunnel to walk under to see sea life swim naturally in this huge environment.  

Even as crowded as it was in the tunnel, Enzo held his gaze remaining in complete awe with everything that was surrounding him.  There were different types of sharks, rays and many many fish. 

In the end, we had to leave a little early.  Enzo was done.  The place was very stimulating.  It wasn't crowded like on a summer day but there were a lot of people and the sidewalks are narrow.  The shows were exciting and loud.  Maybe they were too loud especially when people applauded.  Enzo began to cry, kick and scream and begged to leave.  He had been begging to leave but when we passed the crocodile he screamed even more. Then he pointed "CROCODILE!"  I stopped the chair and Enzo stopped crying!  WOW!  The power of the connection with an animal!  PHEW!  Thank God for the crocodile.  Enzo calmed down and stared at the crocodile for the longest time. It didn't move or anything, but it was there and that was all Enzo wanted!

Once outside there was a troller right in front of the exit.  Eli wanted to ride the trolley so Scott and Eli hopped on and I took Enzo to the parking lot nearby to get Enzo in the car.  

Enzo was so happy to be in the quiet car.  He was so calm and comfortable buckled in the back seat.  He began to giggle and I was so happy. But...I think he was actually laughing because I got a message from Scott stating that they got on the trolley that takes people to their car in a distant parking lot AND the trolley was NOT going to return back to the entrance.  Ooops.  Good thing Enzo and I were in the car and ready to pick them up.  10 minutes later I found them.  What a day!  BUT WAIT....there's more!

Enzo rode a rollercoaster.  As soon as I download those photos and videos I will continue this post!