Despite the global economic crisis it was well attended with some 650 participants from around the world

I have just returned from Tenerife from attending the VII International Parrot Convention. Despite the global economic crisis it was well attended with some 650 participants from around the world. The speakers, who were talking on a wide range of topics, were excellent and despite the uncertain weather - unusual for Tenerife at this time of year - we enjoyed all the accompanying social events. Late one afternoon we all travelled to the south of the island to sample Loro Parque's new water attraction, Siam Park, brillantly conceived and executed by Christoph Kiessling, the son of the founder of Loro Parque, and his team. Many of the participants tried out the numerous exciting rides, including an enormous water slide, which finished with the visitors sliding through a transparent tube in a shark-infested tank. The day finished with a party on the artificial beach there and an impressive firework display.

We also had the opportunity to visit the breeding centre at La Vera and see the many species and sub-species of parrot being successfully bred there, including the Lear's and Spix's macaws. 

Of course no visit to Tenerife would be complete without going to Loro Parque itself and enjoying the attractions there, including the huge "Katandra treetop" aviary with Australian and Asianbirds inaugurated a year ago.

The proceedings with all the presentations are available in English, French, German and Spanish in digitalised form on CD as well as in hardcopy and can be ordered from the Loro Parque Fundacion website. Make sure you order your copy!