The event brings together professionals from the zoological sector from 11 to 14 March in Lagos (Portugal) under the theme ‘Committed to Animal Welfare’.

Terra Natura Benidorm is taking part in the 2026 Congress of the Iberian Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AIZA), held from 11 to 14 March in Lagos (Portugal), with Lagos Zoo acting as host institution. Under the theme ‘Committed to Animal Welfare’, the congress annually brings together professionals from the zoological sector to explore new standards and advances in animal welfare.

Terra Natura Benidorm is actively contributing to the scientific programme with three presentations addressing different perspectives related to veterinary research applied to conservation, environmental education and communication linked to biodiversity protection.

In the scientific and veterinary field, veterinarian Mario Torró will present the talk ‘Comparison between two diagnostic methods for pregnancy detection in the Indian rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis)’. The study compares results obtained from progesterone analysis in faecal and blood samples during the early weeks of gestation in a female of this species, providing relevant insights to improve reproductive monitoring and veterinary management of animals under human care.

Environmental educator Esther Sánchez Giménez will present the talk ‘Environmental Education Day: educating about education’, which focuses on the activities carried out at Terra Natura Benidorm to mark this occasion, some of them developed within the framework of the annual campaign of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA). Drawing on these experiences, the presentation reflects on the importance of overcoming barriers between departments and institutions, and on the need to adopt a cross-disciplinary approach to environmental education. The talk concludes with a proposal aimed at strengthening collaboration between zoological parks in the development of educational initiatives.

Terra Natura Benidorm’s Head of Marketing, Begoña López, will present the talk ‘Networks that Care’, analysing how social media can act as bridges between education, marketing and animal welfare. Her presentation explores the use of purpose-driven communication strategies as a tool to generate social impact and raise public awareness about biodiversity conservation.

Luis Perea, Director of Terra Natura Benidorm and a member of the AIZA board of directors, highlighted that “this congress has become the main meeting forum for professionals in the zoological sector across the Iberian Peninsula and an essential event for those of us working in areas such as animal welfare, species conservation and environmental education.” He added that “these spaces for exchange are fundamental for strengthening collaboration between zoological institutions, sharing knowledge, promoting research and moving forward together in addressing the challenges by biodiversity conservation.”