Palma Aquarium and its Foundation end 2024 with over 500,000 visitors and new ecological achievement

In 2024, Palma Aquarium received more than half a million visitors, establishing itself as a benchmark in educational and responsible entertainment experiences in Mallorca. Over 10,400 people explored the Backstage Tour, where they could learn about its marine conservation projects, its efforts in protecting marine ecosystems, and the rehabilitation of sea turtles.

Immersive activities such as the Shark Vision Boat—a glass-bottom boat in the shark tank—, Shark Diving, Snorkeling with Rays, and the 3D Cinema Aquadome about humpback whales allowed thousands of people to connect directly with marine life. In addition, Ocean Experts—guides and biologists expert in oceans—offered over 1,900 educational talks, enhancing interactive learning.

More than 8,000 students from over 130 schools in the Balearic Islands participated in their educational activities, from preschool to high school. This included more than 196 activities, focused on the conservation of oceans and marine biodiversity, enriching the educational projects of the centers and creating a positive impact and awareness in thousands of students and educators.

Additionally, 11,500 children enjoyed children's experiences such as camps, sleeping with sharks, and birthday parties, activities that combine fun and environmental education at an early age.

Likewise, the foundation's conservation efforts have had a notable impact, especially through flagship projects such as:

• Petits Taurons - Acció Stellaris Project: 141 nurse sharks have been introduced into the Balearic Sea, contributing to the reinforcement of the populations of this shark listed as endangered in the red book of fish of the Balearic Islands.
• Cavallets de Mar Balears Project: 789 seahorses have been introduced into the Balearic Sea, aiming to boost the populations of these highly vulnerable species.
• Sea Turtle Project “InGeNi-Caretta”: 21 neonatal sea turtles have been introduced after reaching a suitable size and weight to increase their chances of survival in the wild, thanks to this national Head Starting program—raising in a controlled environment for 10 - 12 months.
• OCEMIB Project: This project has been essential in providing assistance to the network of marine fauna strandings in the Balearics. A total of 119 animals have been registered, including 29 cetaceans, 1 shark, and 89 sea turtles. Of the registered sea turtles, 19 were recovered and reintroduced into their natural habitat and 13 are still in the recovery process. It is important to note that the success rate of recovery of the admitted turtles is 88%. Of the turtles registered, 43% had plastics in their digestive system and 36% had entanglements in nets, reinforcing the urgent need to continue awareness and protection efforts for these animals.

The Palma Aquarium Foundation has collaborated with 34 institutions, in the publication of 6 scientific studies, and in the development of 8 research projects aimed at improving knowledge about marine species and the problems they face. It has also led 12 beach clean-ups, collecting 456.4 kg of waste with the help of 331 volunteers. These actions underline the importance of citizen participation.

The entity also welcomed 1,061 people from associations and groups at risk of exclusion, offering them an educational and inclusive experience that has strengthened the mission of sharing knowledge and conservation with everyone, without exception. In addition, the Foundation has established 7 social inclusion agreements that facilitate access to the labor market, and 17 students have completed internships at the center, consolidating support for labor insertion. Additionally, in 2024, 55 volunteers actively worked at the Palma Aquarium Foundation, including 7 retired individuals participating in the "Marins Majors" program.

Palma Aquarium also installed 735 solar panels, reducing its energy consumption by 18%, and promoted sustainability with new electric charging points. Both Palma Aquarium and the Palma Aquarium Foundation reaffirm their mission to preserve the seas and environmental education, striving to continue being a benchmark in biodiversity conservation and the promotion of a sustainable future.