Blondes' Garden

Category: Nature > Zoo

District: Madeira > Funchal > Santa Maria Maior

Location

The "Jardim dos Loiros" (Lory Garden) is situated on the slope of Quinta do Bom Sucesso, in Santa Maria Maior, Funchal, integrated within the environment of the Madeira Botanical Garden. It is surrounded by well-maintained vegetation and benefits from the transition between the formal paths of the garden and a more vibrant space dedicated to exotic avifauna.

The setting combines the green of the plants with the presence of birds, creating a sense of continuity between the botanical space and the aviary, without any abrupt rupture in the landscape.

Origin and Context

This space was developed as a complement to the Madeira Botanical Garden, adding an animal dimension to the visitor's experience. The name "Jardim dos Loiros" is used locally to identify the nucleus where parrots, cockatoos, and other birds with striking plumage are concentrated, distinguishing itself as a specialized point within the estate as a whole.

Its creation is part of a strategy to diversify the cultural and natural offerings of Quinta do Bom Sucesso, bringing visitors closer to species that, outside this controlled context, would be rare on the island.

Fauna and Environment

Several species of tropical and exotic birds live in the "Jardim dos Loiros," such as cockatoos, dwarf parrots, Australian parakeets, and "loricos" from the tropical regions of Asia. These animals are housed in areas that attempt to reproduce, in an adapted way, elements of their natural habitats, allowing for close observation of their behaviors and vocalizations.

The space is distinguished by the contrast between the more serene silence of the botanical garden and the sonorous and chromatic energy of the birds. The sharp calls and the intense color of the feathers create a dynamic atmosphere, perceptible from the moment of arrival.

Visitor Experience

The first perception of the garden often comes through its sounds; the parrots announce their presence before the cages and enclosures are seen. The path leads to a direct observation of species that are not common in the region, offering a glimpse into avian diversity without unnecessary embellishment.

The coexistence between the botanical space and the aviary allows for a sensory transition: from the contemplative to the lively, from silence to sound, without losing coherence in the overall composition. The "Jardim dos Loiros" thus asserts itself as a natural complement to the rest of the garden, with its own identity based on the presence of birds.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt