It's amazing how much a park can change over a decade. Looking at these images now, I'm struck by the sense of anticipation and adventure I felt at the time. Rancho Texas wasn't just a zoo; it was presented as a complete wild west experience, and I remember being particularly excited about the potential to see unique animals. Join me on a virtual walk-through of the park as it looked then, as we revisit this Canary Island wildlife sanctuary.
The Big Beasts of North America
Our tour of the 2013 version of Rancho Texas kicks off in the heart of the "Texas Rancho" experience: North American plains wildlife. This area was designed to immerse you in the open spaces that were once the exclusive domain of some truly massive creatures.
The first encounter that truly made an impression was with this impressive American Bison. Seeing one up close, even in an exhibit, gives you a profound sense of their sheer size and power. This image, taken in the strong July heat, captures the animal at a quiet, contemplative moment. The sandy environment and rustic wooden fencing in the background set the stage perfectly for the theme. It's a reminder of the historical significance of these animals and how successful conservation efforts have been in bringing them back from the brink.
Reptiles and Raptors
Moving deeper into the park, the focus shifted from the open plains to the more enclosed habitats of reptilian giants and masters of the sky. This section was all about specialized environments.
Next up were the crocodiles. The habitat here was particularly striking for the contrast between the white, sandy banks and the distinct, vivid green water. This overhead shot captures several animals basking, blending almost completely with their surroundings. The image effectively conveys the patient, hidden-predator nature of these creatures. While looking at the image now, it makes me wonder about the specific species housed there and what improvements have been made to their habitat since then.
This picture of a Snowy Owl was perhaps the biggest surprise of the day. Spotting an animal typically associated with arctic tundras perched against the volcanic, orange-hued rock faces of Lanzarote was truly unique. This image is a great example of the specialized species the park aims to showcase. The contrast between the owl's stark white plumage and the deep earthy tones of the enclosure is visually striking and makes for a memorable photograph.
Wildlife and Farm Friends
The next part of our tour in 2013 was a nice balance between the exotic and the familiar. It brought together animals from different corners of the globe.
Leaving the harsh volcanic landscape behind, we found ourselves looking at Fallow Deer. These deer, with their signature spotted coats, are a common sight in European parks, but they brought a touch of soft beauty to the rugged environment. This particular photo is one of my favourites from the entire set. It’s beautifully composed, capturing a deer sitting quietly in the dappled shade. It has a real sense of serenity and vulnerability, a quiet moment away from the main attractions.
No ranch experience is complete without its farm animals! The donkey enclosure brought us right back to the Texas Rancho concept. This area was more open, filled with fine sand, and the image perfectly captures the atmosphere of a working farmyard. These animals looked content and well-cared for, which is always important to see. This section was a hit with the younger visitors, as they often got the chance to get up close for feeding or even a short ride.
And then there was this charming Shetland Pony. This little fellow was an instant hit. The photo captures it looking up towards the viewer, almost as if it's posing. What I love most about this image is the lighting – the sun filters beautifully through the green foliage above, creating soft shadows and highlighting the texture of its coat. It's an image that instantly puts a smile on your face and showcases the park's appeal across all age groups.
A Burst of Colour and a Quiet Giant
As the day progressed, the sensory experiences became more intense. We found ourselves surrounded by incredibly vibrant colours before encountering one of the park's true slow-living residents.
Prepare yourself for a riot of colour! The bird aviaries were a sensory overload, and these Blue-and-Yellow Macaws stole the show. Their feathers were an almost impossibly brilliant shade of blue and yellow. This image, which you could almost say is too good to be true, was captured against an orange-textured wall that perfectly complements the birds' natural colours. Seeing these majestic birds so close was truly one of the standout moments of the day. They have such personality and presence.
And the colour didn't stop there. This pair of Rainbow Lorikeets was another visual treat. The textures in this photo are amazing – from the rustic wooden branch they are perched on to the paint on the wall behind them. It’s a very natural-feeling photo that effectively conveys the birds’ lively spirit. These lorikeets are native to regions around Australia, and their presence here was a great addition to the park's global collection.
The day’s tempo slowed down considerably when we encountered this majestic tortoise. It’s a complete contrast to the speedy birds of prey we had seen earlier. This image, taken from a slight angle, highlights the impressive texture and dome-shape of its shell. It’s a reminder that wildlife watching isn’t always about speed and action; sometimes it's about appreciating the slow, enduring forms of life that have existed for millions of years. This photo always gives me a feeling of calm and perspective.
The King of the Jungle?
In 2013, Rancho Texas was proud to be one of the few places in Spain where you could see this incredibly rare big cat.
The main event for many was the White Bengal Tiger exhibit. This image, a close-up that perfectly frames the animal, is a great portrait. It captures the tiger looking directly at the camera with those piercing blue eyes. Its white fur is contrasted against the deep green foliage and the ancient-looking stone walls. It’s an unforgettable sight that feels truly exotic. I'll never forget the first moment I saw it. However, now I have some ethical questions. White tigers are not a distinct subspecies but are the result of severe inbreeding, which can lead to a host of health problems. The context of 2013 was different, but it’s interesting to see how my own perspective has shifted over time.
Reflecting on a Day in Lanzarote
Reflecting on my trip back to July 2013 through these photos has been a fantastic experience. It’s amazing to see how the park used a combination of expansive open enclosures and immersive, thematic sets to create a memorable experience. It successfully brought together species from around the world – from American Bison to Arctic Owls, and from local Canary Island donkeys to Australian Lorikeets – all under the unique Lanzarote sun.
The 2013 visit remains a highlight of my time in the Canary Islands. The combination of its distinct western theme and its diverse collection of beautiful animals created memories that have clearly lasted a lifetime. I can't wait to see how the park has evolved when I next return to Lanzarote!
A limited amount of AI has been used to sharpen and enhance my original pictures.
All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.
