Lorraine Williamson
A proposed wildlife park in the Málaga hillside village of Carratraca has stirred a fierce ethical debate. Critics warn that it represents a backward step for animal welfare in Spain.
The facility, known as Natura Park, is intended to be a large-scale tourist attraction featuring gorillas, big cats, and other exotic species. Developers have described it as an immersive theme park, complete with eco-style accommodation, a planetarium, and what is claimed to be the world’s longest aquarium.
But not everyone is buying into the vision.
“This isn’t conservation – it’s entertainment.”
Animal rights organisation Proyecto Gran Simio (PGS) has launched a formal appeal urging the regional government of Andalucia to reconsider the development. The group argues that keeping intelligent, social animals like great apes in enclosures, no matter how large. In an age of growing awareness about animal sentience, it is fundamentally unethical.
Pedro Pozas, director of PGS, was blunt in his assessment:
“Locking up species so closely related to us is a moral failure. It belongs to another century, not this one.”
PGS also points out that modern audiences are increasingly uncomfortable with zoos that prioritise spectacle over education or conservation. In their view, Natura Park prioritises profit and entertainment, not animal welfare or ecological awareness.
A new vision for wildlife education
Instead of a traditional zoo, PGS is advocating for a more innovative and humane model: a park centred around education and technology. Their proposal includes immersive experiences through holograms and documentary screenings, as well as sanctuaries for native, rescued animals that cannot return to the wild.
Pozas believes Málaga could lead the way internationally by pioneering such a space, offering a model that blends education with ethics.
“We don’t need cages to inspire awe. We need stories, science, and empathy.”
Developers defend the concept
Javier Lazpita, a biologist and director of the Natura Park project, has defended the concept. He insists it won’t resemble a conventional zoo, but rather a thematic experience akin to Disneyland—except with real animals.
He claims the enclosures will be spacious, carefully landscaped, and designed to recreate natural habitats.
“We want visitors to feel like they’ve stepped into the jungle—not a zoo. People will learn, engage, and have fun.”
Public consultation period
Despite the media buzz, the project has not yet received final approval. The Junta de Andalucía has opened a public consultation period, allowing residents and organisations to submit objections or support.
That means the future of Natura Park hangs in the balance—caught between a growing global shift towards more ethical animal experiences, and the promise of tourism revenue and rural revitalisation.
The bigger picture
Spain, like much of Europe, is facing increasing scrutiny over how wild animals are used in entertainment. Traditional zoos are under pressure to reform or reinvent themselves as public attitudes evolve. The outcome in Carratraca could signal how far Andalucia is willing to go in adapting to this shift.
Whether Natura Park becomes a pioneering model or a relic of the past may depend on how loudly the public speaks—and how willing politicians are to listen.
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Source: Información.es