Tenerife Hosts Record-Breaking Parrot Congress
SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 15 September – Loro Parque and Loro Parque Foundation have launched the XI International Parrot Congress in Tenerife, marking a historic edition that celebrates 40 years of science and conservation since the inaugural event in 1986.
From today until 17 September, Puerto de la Cruz is the global centre for psittacology, gathering a record 800 biologists, veterinarians, scientists, breeders, and conservationists from over 55 countries, surpassing previous editions and welcoming representatives from 15 nations for the first time.
The event receives institutional support from the Government of the Canary Islands, through Promotur Turismo de Islas Canarias; the Cabildo de Tenerife, via Turismo de Tenerife; and the Puerto de la Cruz City Council, collectively positioning the island as an international leader in wildlife research and conservation.
Wolfgang Kiessling, president of Loro Parque and the congress founder, reflected on its origins and growth, stating, “When we first organised this congress in 1986, I never imagined we would be here, celebrating not only the continuity of an event but also the growth of a global community united by a shared passion for parrots.”
Kiessling emphasised the congress’s aim to bring people from around the world together to share knowledge and dreams about these exceptional birds. He noted, “Today, this meeting is an international reference in conservation, welfare, and parrot breeding.”
Christoph Kiessling, vice president of Loro Parque, highlighted the significance of the event, pointing out that gathering 800 specialists from nearly 60 countries showcases the congress’s evolution over four decades. “Our goal is for this knowledge exchange to contribute to real solutions for species and habitat conservation,” he added.
Scientific Programme
Rafael Zamora, scientific director of Loro Parque Foundation, outlined the advancements in understanding psittacines over the last 40 years. “Forty years ago, much of the information came from accumulated experience. Today, we discuss genetics, nutrition, veterinary medicine, biosecurity, behaviour, and environmental enrichment,” he explained.
The highly specialised scientific programme features presentations from international experts, technical networking sessions, and exclusive visits to the Loro Parque Foundation’s breeding centre, which houses the world’s largest living genetic reserve of parrots.
Héctor Mateo, General Director of Infrastructure, Sustainability, and Tourist Quality for the Canary Islands government, underscored the event’s strategic importance for the archipelago. “Events of this scale project the Canary Islands as a region committed to a high-value tourism model, capable of attracting knowledge, fostering international cooperation, and advancing sustainability.”
Dimple Melwani, CEO of Turismo de Tenerife, linked the congress’s success to the island’s legacy. “In 1972, Wolfgang Kiessling launched a project that has become a global reference for its commitment to research, animal welfare, and environmental education. Organising this congress aligns perfectly with Tenerife’s tourism strategy, where sustainability is the guiding principle.”
Leopoldo Afonso, the mayor of Puerto de la Cruz, expressed municipal pride in hosting an event that has become an international benchmark. “During these days, we welcome hundreds of specialists and reinforce our position as a destination that combines tourism, knowledge, science, and conservation.”
This 11th edition of the congress once again establishes Puerto de la Cruz as an international hub for parrot science and conservation, strengthening global cooperation to protect these species and their ecosystems.
