Round Town: Local News Benidorm, Alfaz, Altea.

As soon as we entered, I was struck by the enormity of the project in building this place to house animals, birds and reptiles from all over the World, and making a natural setting for them, in an area that was until a very short time ago, a barren, dry mountainside.

The first sight that greeted us was a huge artificial mountain with tons of water gushing out of it, so cool and refreshing and a definite feet of engineering. All around the park are tunnels of concrete which have been made to look like hollow trees which have fallen down, and walls that have not been up a year which look as if they have been slowly crumbling for a thousands years-it really is well done.

The park is divided up into three areas, America, Asia and Europe, so we started with America. On entering the first “enclosure” we were greeted by various species of llamas and goats all roaming around freely, and quite tame, not frightened of us all gently stroking them. I was glad to see members of Terra Natura staff watching to make sure than no one abused this priveledge.

Next we entered The Aviary, where there were dozens of different species of birds, including toucans, macaws, pelicans, all completely free to fly wherever they wanted. The aviary was huge with a river running through it, lots of trees, and netting to ensure that the birds did not get out. Feeding seems to be done as naturally as possible with fruit and seeds hanging on branches to simulate their natural habitat.

Out of the aviary, we saw the latest attraction which has caused something of a stir, as an ocelot baby has been born already in Terra Natura. At the moment, the mother is feeding the baby, so we were able to see her in isolation with the baby, although, in due course, they will be reunited with Dad, so that the whole family can be seen together.

There was an area which housed lots of monkeys, and we spent ages watching them playing, running up the trees, swinging between the branches, and coming down to the river for a drink. They were absolutely fascinating.

There are lots of other areas housing reptiles, including the biggest Boa Constrictor I have ever seen, and other smaller animals, but we left America, because in the distance I could see an elephant apparently swimming! And I love elephants.

By now we had entered Asia, where there were buffaloes, rhino, and all the big “cats”, but I headed first for the elephants. There were several of them in a very large enclosure, but my “swimming” one was just emerging from the river when I got there, so I did not see whether he was swimming or just walking, but from where I stood, I could only see his head above water. I learned later that it had been bath time for the elephants, and this happens every day at 1.00pm. They are such huge and gentle creatures, and we stood watching as they rolled logs around, and generally seemed to be enjoying the afternoon.

At this point we decided to stop for a bite to eat. Around the park, there are lots of places to eat and drink, each “themed” to the area in which they are located. I was pleasantly surprised that the prices were so reasonable. All areas offered a “Menu del Dia”.

We marveled at the tigers and lions, and even a stately Jaguar, and spend some more time with the elephants, before visiting Europe.Here we were able to walk amongst the donkeys, and pet the little baby ones, one of whom tried to eat my new straw bag! They were so sweet, I wanted to spend all afternoon with them, but I also wanted to wander among the deer who are in a separate section.

A sneak preview

We were able to catch a glimpse of the forthcoming water park also incorporated within Terra Natura. In perfect contrast to the safari feeling of the rest of the park, it is going to be fabulous, with an enormous freeform pool, and enormous slides and chutes. It is not quite finished yet, but when it is, it will provide a perfectly refreshing alternative to an otherwise adventurous day.

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