Experts at Terra Natura, the animal and nature park in Benidorm introduce young Susto to another female rhino.
Susto caused quite a stir when he was born in Terra Natura in Benidorm in February 2012, as he is the only Indian Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) to be born in captivity in Spain.
Before he was conceived his mother Shiwa shared her enclosure with another adult female called Nisha. Both females came to the Benidorm park in 2004 and were only apart when taken to mate and then during Shiwa’s pregnancy.
Since Susto’s birth, mother and calf have lived alone to avoid any possible attacks from Nisha but the time has now come for the two adults to be reunited and Susto introduced to other adult rhinos. Susto needs to adapt to other members of the species to be able to develop both physically and psychologically.
Mother and calf appeared calm when reunited with Nisha, but Nisha had other ideas and there was a moment of tension when she threatened the mother and calf.
Shiwa protected her offspring admirable and now staff from Terra Natura will pay close attention to their behavioural patterns over the next few days and will separate them again if the aggressive behaviour continues and then reintroduce them again until they become familiar with each other again.
Watch the video of Susto’s birth.
Read previous articles:-
Great Expectations in Terra Natura Benidorm
Terra Natura Benidorm confirms pregnancy of an Indian Rhino
Terra Natura Benidorm install a camera system to monitor the imminent birth of a baby rhino
Baby Indian Rhino born in Terra Natura Benidorm.
Benidorm Island has a legend which tells the story of Roldan, son of Princess Bertha, Charlemagne's sister, who fell in love with a beautiful young girl. The girl had a mysterious illness that had condemned her to death. She could only be saved if the last rays of the sun could pass the enormous Puig Campana Mountain. Roldan did not hesitate and armed with his sword “Durandarte” he attacked the giant mountain. The piece of rock fell into the sea forming the island.
The legend , like all legends is beautiful, but geologists affirm that the island, along with the smaller island La Llosa is a continuation of the neighbouring Sierra Helada mountain that continues down under the sea and surfaces again forming the two islands. The smaller island of La Llosa is almost completely submerged, at its highest point it is only 6 metres above the surface and its base is 30 metres deep.
Both islands are important marine reserves, protected because of the high ecological value to the area. The plant life and birds that nest on the island are protected, for example the Audouin gull and the Cormorant amongst others, some of them making their nest in the cracks and caves of the cliffs. Benidorm island is a paradise for divers as moray eels, octopus and sargo take refuge around its rocky base.
There is a path that enables you to walk to the top of the island and a restaurant opens daily, offering one of the best paellas in the area. Benidorm island is not inhabited but at the beginning of the 19th Century a few hundred people fled to the island to escape a cholera epidemic in the area.
The island is also known as the Journalists' Island. In the Town Hall archives there is a document dated 26th of May 1970 , signed by the then Mayor of Benidorm, Jaime Barcelo and the President of the "Associated Spanish Press Federation", Lucio del Alamo. In this document the Federation is appointed Patron of the island along with all Spanish journalists.
To purchase tickets for the boat trip to the Island or one of the other boat trips to Calpe or Tabarca Island, click here.
Take a look at some other photos of Benidorm Island
Watch our video of the boat trip to Benidorm Island.
Beniexcursions.
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Elena and Brayan Gambi are two young artistes in the cast of “Circus Story” the new Benidorm Circus production.
The youngsters are practically Circus Royalty as their grandparents and father were also circus performers.
Elena is in her second year, studying for her Bachillerato, which is the equivalent of A levels in the U.K. She is a juggler in the circus, performing all her tricks “ en pointe”.
She has studied ballet from a very young age and is also learning to play the piano.
Brayan on the other hand performs an acrobatic number similar to one his father performed which he has updated with a basket ball as a prop and modern dance moves.
Grandparents and father are extremely proud of the two youngsters. Grandparents Jacques and Geraldine met while performing in the Circus. Geraldine was a trapeze artist and Jacques and his brother formed the Gambi Brothers (see video)
The Gambi Brothers, was an acrobatic act in which Jacques supported his brother on an 8 meter pole, while his brother performed tricks at the top. Their son Serge was born while on tour and as soon as he was old enough, he began to perform with his father and uncle (see photo).
Today Jacques who was born in Lyon never misses his grandchildren’s performance in the Benidorm Circus and helps out where he can with advice and tips. Like all grandparents he beams with pride when talking about his third generation circus grandchildren. The circus is his life.
Dad, Serge Gambi is just as proud and is there to encourage and train his children (read our interview with Serge Gambi).
This is a real Circus Story so come along and visit the Benidorm Circus
Terra Natura welcome a male fawn into their park with the birth of a Sambar Deer.
The Sambar Deer (Cervus unicolor) is the most widely spread deer species in the world and is found in many countries in the Asian Continent, it is also one of the largest.
Their diet consists of vegetation, mainly leaves and due to the protection offered to them at the Benidorm park, they have become less shy with humans. The young fawn has been named Pietro and is being cared for by his mother ,Takita who protects him from the herd as do the other females who treat him like one of their own
No intervention was needed from staff at the park during the delivery although Pietro was given a full examination by Veterinary staff once delivered and received a clean bill of health.
In total eight fawns have been born in wildlife park in Benidorm since this species was introduced into the park. There are currently 11 Sambar Deer, three female & eight males in the park.
Captive breeding of this species requires sufficient space for the deer to develop relationships, socialize and for the courtship rituals, as well as adequate living conditions. Reproductive success is a clear indication of the welfare of the animals and that they have adapted to and are happy in their environment.
The Sambar deer has an extremely sharp sense of hearing and smell. When threatened the Sambar deer hide in thick vegetaion to avoid predators and sometimes jump into lakes or rivers to escape from their attackers; they are excellent swimmers. Size and weight varies according to each individual and can range from 175 to 300 kilos.
Take a look at some of our photos of Terra Natura.
Bicidorm is a bicycle hire service introduced by the Benidorm Council to promote the use of bicycles in the city. Its aim is to reduce pollution, energy consumption, and to offer an alternative way to get around the city for residents and tourists alike. The service, which currently has 20 bike stations in Benidorm, hopes to expand to 40 bike stations or bases in the future.
The service is easy to use. Go to any of the bases, where you will find a touch screen computer (consult the map to find the location of the bases) Follow the instructions on the screen, then take your bike ensuring it is in good condition and off you go!
When you have reached your destination, find the nearest bike base with an available space and secure the bicycle to the base, ensuring that the bicycle has been locked securely in place.
The bike can only be used for a maximum of two hours at a time, before it must be returned to one of the bases. Half an hour must have elapsed before taking another bike out again.
The service is available all your round, 24 hours a day, subject to availability.
Prices (as published November 2012)
One day pass € 3
Weekly pass € 11
Monthly pass € 22
Yearly pass € 33
Fines will be applied if the bike is not returned on time.
If the return is 30 minutes late , one day fine.
If the return is between 31-90 minutes late , three day fine.
If the return is between 91 minutes and 10 hours late , one week fine.
If the return of the bike is more than 10 hours late, one month fine.
If the user continues to return the bike late, they will be barred from using the system.
To find out more on the terms and conditions , consult the Web site www.labici.net .
Users must be over 14. For those under the age of 18, permission must be given by a parent or guardian.
For yearly rental register on the website.
All daily, weekly and monthly rentals are done at the computerised bike bases in Benidorm.
The Bike Stations or bases can be found at the following locations:
(click on the map to enlarge)
Avda de Benisa – Avda de Villajoyosa
Poninente Beach- Avda de Montbenidorm
Poninente Beach– Calle Murtal
Poninente Beach– Local Police
Vía Parque – Les Mediterrania
Estación de Tren -Benidorm Train Station
Centro Social Llorca Llinares
Calle Tomas Ortuño
Plaza de España
Ayuntamiento de Benidorm- Benidorm Town Hall.
Parque de Elche
Calle Mercado
Levante Beach – Plaza del Torrejó
Levante Beach– Avda Europa
Levante Beach – Avda Almeria
Levante Beach - Avda Atmella del Mar
Avda Derramador – Mercadillo Pueblo
Estación de Autobuses- Bus Station
Palau d Sports L’ Illa.
If you would like to rent a mountain, city bike or racing bike (with or without GPS) click here for another alternative.
