“Parques Reunidos has been working with Amusement Logic S.L. since 2001 to the present day, utilising its design services, as well as its attractions, hydraulic and pumping systems, and its theming products.” Thus began a historic letter, sent shortly after the 2003 opening of the Oceanogràfic marine centre in Valencia, Spain, in which the operator of water, theme and animal parks reported on its collaboration with the company.
This marine animal park and large aquarium, the largest in Europe—covering 110,000 m² and home to more than 35,000 specimens of some 780 animal species—is precisely the result of that professional relationship. As well as delighting children, youngsters and adults alike with the exploration of marine life, the Oceanogràfic continues to this day with its work in conservation and the scientific dissemination of the planet’s biodiversity. And both with great success, incidentally.
Oceanogràfic is one of the most iconic leisure and tourism projects developed by Amusement Logic over its 30-year history. For this marine animal park, the company carried out the theming using artificial rocks and corals, both outdoors and indoors, in the Arctic, Antarctic, Mediterranean, tropical, island and lake habitats. Dolphins, belugas, walruses, seals, penguins, sea lions, turtles and many more marine animals have their permanent home there.
For a historical overview of this project, one of the most notable the company has undertaken, we can refer to the article published by the local newspaper Levante-EMV not long after it opened to the public. Entitled ‘The Theming at Oceanogràfic Park’, the article features a statement by Amós Casas, one of the directors of Amusement Logic: “the theming process (…) has been extremely complex and labour-intensive”. If we continue reading the article, we discover why.
Indeed, “the theming process begins with a detailed geological study of the types of habitats, rocks and seabeds in which each species lives, so that these can be faithfully reproduced. A thorough ethological study of the various species is also required in order to tailor the theming as closely as possible to their physiological needs and behavioural patterns. Once these preliminary studies have been completed, scale models must be produced to see how the theming can be integrated into the civil engineering works. It is at this stage that the construction work begins.”
The construction work took place between 2001 and 2003, over a period of approximately two years. According to a new historical document signed by the engineer Ignacio Sola Martínez, who was site manager during the construction of the marine animal park, the company “carried out the work in accordance with the contractual conditions, within the established timeframe and to the complete satisfaction of the undersigned”.
To conclude, let us return to the letter from the senior executive at Parques Reunidos, in which we read: “Amusement Logic’s ability to apply theming in wildlife parks deserves a special mention, as it is vital to achieve a realistic recreation of natural habitats”. We cannot fail to mention the emphasis placed in the document on the fact that the company fulfilled its responsibilities “in a serious, diligent and professional manner, always honouring the agreed commitments regarding deadlines, quality and price”. It concludes: “this reliability and professionalism (…) is the main reason why we regularly rely on them to undertake our new projects”.
