Our history:
a dream that
became a legacy
Parque das Aves was born from the meeting of people deeply passionate about nature. And today, in Foz do Iguaçu, this story transforms daily into conservation, care, and genuine connection between people, animals, and forest.
1970s
The meeting that started it all
In 1976, German veterinarian Anna-Sophie Helene moved to Namibia, Africa, where she met Dennis Croukamp.
They built a family and discovered a common passion: love for nature.
They built a family and discovered a common passion: love for nature.
1980s
The passion for birds
The affection for a Congo African grey parrot named Pumuckl transformed the family's relationship with birds.
Soon, others arrived, and the backyard became a small living refuge that revealed the path yet to come.
Soon, others arrived, and the backyard became a small living refuge that revealed the path yet to come.
1990s
The decision to begin
After living on the Isle of Man in the United Kingdom, the family received an unexpected invitation to go to Foz do Iguaçu.
There emerged the idea that would change everything: create a park dedicated to birds, next to the largest protected forest in the region.
With courage, few words in Portuguese, and all their savings invested, they began building in 1993 what would become Parque das Aves.
There emerged the idea that would change everything: create a park dedicated to birds, next to the largest protected forest in the region.
With courage, few words in Portuguese, and all their savings invested, they began building in 1993 what would become Parque das Aves.
1994
The inauguration of a dream
On October 7, 1994, just 11 months after arriving in Brazil, Dennis and Anna inaugurated Parque das Aves.
The first birds came from donations, loans, and rescues, marking from the beginning the commitment to care and protection of wildlife.
The first birds came from donations, loans, and rescues, marking from the beginning the commitment to care and protection of wildlife.
1996
A farewell that became a legacy
Shortly after the inauguration, Dennis fell ill and passed away at 70 years old.
His favorite place in the Park, the Rivers and Mangroves Birds Aviary, became a memorial to a life dedicated to birds and nature.
The dream, however, continued.
The dream, however, continued.
2000s
Growth with purpose
Anna continued leading the Park alongside a committed team, transforming the space into a reference for animal care, education, and enchantment for thousands of visitors.
Each new stage reinforced the mission to protect species and bring people closer to nature.
Each new stage reinforced the mission to protect species and bring people closer to nature.
2010s
Conservation as focus
Under the direction of the couple's daughter, Dr. Carmel Croukamp, the Park strengthened its scientific work and began concentrating efforts on the conservation of Atlantic Forest species, especially those threatened with extinction.
This movement redefined the institutional positioning and led to the renewal of the brand, aligning identity and purpose.
This movement redefined the institutional positioning and led to the renewal of the brand, aligning identity and purpose.
2024
30 years of history
Three decades after the inauguration, Parque das Aves celebrates a trajectory dedicated to conservation, animal care, and connecting people with the Atlantic Forest.
Today, it is the most visited attraction in Paraná after Iguaçu Falls and a reference in species conservation.
Today, it is the most visited attraction in Paraná after Iguaçu Falls and a reference in species conservation.
Present day
Work that never stops
Parque das Aves continues growing, evolving, and creating new ways to care for animals, welcome visitors, and contribute to forest protection.
Guided by the dream initiated by Dennis and Anna, the work continues alive in the hands of a Brazilian team dedicated to building a better future for nature.
As Anna Croukamp reminds us:
"But there is still so much to do."
Guided by the dream initiated by Dennis and Anna, the work continues alive in the hands of a Brazilian team dedicated to building a better future for nature.
As Anna Croukamp reminds us:
"But there is still so much to do."
Your participation is part of this story
Each visit helps rescue birds that are victims of trafficking, maintain safe environments for those that cannot return to nature, support research, breeding programs, and conservation education initiatives.
This work is only possible thanks to the people who visit the Park, participate in the experiences, and visit the Shop and Gastronomic Complex.
By being here, you also become part of this story.
Thank you very much for contributing to the conservation of the Atlantic Forest and its species!
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