Palmitos Park
Palmitos Park is a botanical garden, aviary and zoo on the island of Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain. Geography & climate. The park is located in a countryside area, near Pilancones Natural Park, towards south of the island; about north of the tourist beaches and dunes of Maspalomas, but towards the interior. The park has a humid subtropical climate. Layout. There is a terrace near a fountain, along a path that leads up to the amphitheater where flying birds of prey perform in shows. Next to the amphitheater there is a snack bar, and a small cafe can be  found in the park. One feature of the park is the great wealth of cacti and succulents. There are over 160 different cactus types, and 1000 palm trees of 42 different types. Parrot-like birds are well represented in the park, but other types of birds can also be found, including swans and ducks. Overall, there are over 1,500 exotic birds of 230 different species. Many fly freely around the park. Palmitos Park holds Europe's largest butterfly venue, as well as the biggest Orchid collection on the island. Near the exit - behind the souvenir shop, one can admire hummingbirds  that fly very visibly in front of their food. 2007 Gran Canaria forest fires. On July 31, 2007 it was reported in the media that almost 65% of the park was burned due to ten forest fires, and that some exotic bird species - such as the toucan - may have been killed. The forest fires caused evacuations of certain parts of Gran Canaria and Tenerife. A local Forest Ranger was accused of starting the fires intentionally in order to keep him in employment as his contract was due to expire. Over 2000 people from the village of Mogán were evacuated, as  well as El Salobre. No human lives were lost during the fire, but many houses were burned to the ground. Smoke was clearly visible from space. Because Palmitos Park was severely affected by the fire, it was closed for a whole year. The park opened for the public again August 4, 2008. It has a new section with information about the forest fire.