In 2025, the institutions belonging to the Iberian Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AIZA) surpassed the historic milestone of 15 million visitors in Spain and Portugal, a result that confirms the growing importance of accredited zoos and aquariums as spaces for environmental education, biodiversity conservation and scientific research in an increasingly urban society.
Released by AIZA, these figures reflect public recognition of a modern zoological institution model, based on high standards of animal welfare, scientific rigour and social responsibility, as well as the dedication and commitment of the teams who work daily to bring society closer to nature and promote a more informed and responsible relationship with biodiversity.
Zoomarine Algarve, which is part of the network of institutions that contributed to this collective result, welcomed 627,054 visitors in 2025, strengthening Portugal’s contribution to the global figures now achieved. Since its creation in 1991, Zoomarine has welcomed more than 15.1 million visitors, a consistent journey that, over more than three decades, reflects the evolving role of zoological institutions in engaging with the public.
The educational component, identified as one of the key pillars underpinning this success, plays a particularly significant role in the work carried out by Zoomarine. Throughout 2025, 21,511 students took part in school visits to the park, engaging in educational programmes that promote direct contact with biodiversity, understanding of conservation challenges and the adoption of more responsible behaviours towards the environment.
This commitment extends throughout the year through the EDUCAR Project, a school outreach initiative delivered between November and May, which brings environmental education directly into schools, including periods when the park is closed. In the 2024/2025 academic year, the project involved 8,688 students, 625 teachers and 55 educational establishments, reinforcing the educational mission that AIZA identifies as essential for the future of zoological institutions.
According to João Neves, Director of Conservation at Zoomarine, “the figures now released by AIZA demonstrate that the public recognises the value of modern zoological institutions as spaces for education, science and conservation. This collective recognition reinforces our responsibility to continue transforming every visit into an opportunity for learning and commitment to biodiversity protection.”
The record achieved in 2025 represents a shared success, built on the contribution of each institution within AIZA, and confirms the social relevance of a modern, responsible zoo model aligned with the environmental and social challenges of the 21st century.