Centres belonging to the Iberian Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AIZA) exceed 15 million visitors and strengthen their role in education, conservation and research
The Iberian Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AIZA) has closed its 2025 results with a historic attendance record: more than 15 million people visited the 50 member zoos and aquariums in Spain and Portugal. This sustained increase confirms society’s growing interest in these spaces as places for learning, environmental awareness and connection with the animal world.
During the year, more than two million schoolchildren took part in educational visits to AIZA zoos and aquariums, reinforcing the role of these institutions as key environments for environmental education. Through programmes adapted to different age groups, pupils were able to learn first-hand about the biology, behaviour and threats faced by numerous species, integrating direct experience as a pedagogical tool.
Within this context of overall sector growth, centres such as Loro Parque and Poema del Mar have contributed to these record figures, playing an active role in the modern zoo model promoted by AIZA, based on scientific communication, animal welfare and a commitment to conservation.
In relation to these figures, the President of the Loro Parque Group, Wolfgang Kiessling, stated that “these results reflect that a very significant part of society increasingly values the role of modern zoos and aquariums as spaces for education, conservation and scientific outreach. Being part of AIZA and contributing to this collective growth is both a responsibility and a motivation to continue advancing a model of institution committed to animal welfare and the protection of biodiversity”.
At a time when the majority of the population lives in urban environments, zoos and aquariums accredited by AIZA are consolidating their position as fundamental spaces for bringing nature and animal life closer to the public. Beyond leisure, these centres fulfil a growing social role as platforms for scientific communication, environmental awareness and the promotion of a more informed and responsible relationship with biodiversity.
The associated centres carry out their activities under demanding standards of animal welfare and professional quality, a commitment that translates into a direct contribution to biodiversity conservation, combining environmental education, scientific research and active participation in conservation programmes at both national and international level.
Kiessling also highlighted that the increase in visitors is linked to greater social awareness: “Every visit is an opportunity to raise awareness, educate and generate knowledge. The growth of the sector shows that it is possible to combine scientific rigour, conservation and a high-quality experience for the public”.
Zoos and aquariums that are members of AIZA are currently involved in 267 Endangered Species Programmes (EEPs), working with more than 3,500 species through breeding, rescue, population reinforcement, scientific monitoring and public awareness actions. Thanks to this ongoing work, several species have seen improvements in their conservation status.
Applied research is another key pillar of the work carried out by AIZA centres, which maintain stable collaborations with universities and research institutions, providing relevant scientific knowledge for management, animal welfare and species conservation, both in natural environments and under human care.
“The work carried out in 2025 by AIZA members is a source of satisfaction and pride,” said Beatriz Sainz, Executive Director of the association. “Our zoos and aquariums work in a coordinated manner to promote animal welfare, education, research and conservation, and in 2026 we will strengthen these strategic lines.”
