This Thursday, February 19, 2026, the city of Las Palmas witnessed an event steeped in symbolism and environmental commitment. Her Majesty Queen Sofía visited the Poema del Mar Aquarium to receive the "Gorilla Award 2024," a distinction bestowed by the Loro Parque Group in recognition of her extensive work in defense of biodiversity and animal welfare.
The visit was particularly poignant, coming just a month after the event had to be postponed due to the death of Princess Irene of Greece. Upon her return to official engagements in the Canary Islands, the Queen was accompanied by the archipelago's leading civil and religious authorities, including the President of the Canary Islands Government, Fernando Clavijo, and the founder of Loro Parque, Wolfgang Kiessling.
After touring the aquarium facilities, where she observed the latest marine research projects, Queen Sofía presided over the ceremony in the 'Deep Sea' hall. Standing before the imposing panoramic window that separates the public from the ocean depths, her role as a "global leader" in the protection of natural heritage was highlighted. During the event, the creation of the SOFIANet project was announced, an acoustic monitoring network to protect cetaceans in which the Queen Sofía Foundation will collaborate directly.
The Canary Islands president, Fernando Clavijo, thanked Queen Sofía for her "sincere and continued interest" in environmental education, noting that her example has been fundamental in placing these issues at the forefront of public awareness. Representatives from Loro Parque, for their part, recalled Queen Sofía's deep affection for animals, sharing anecdotes about her pets and her unwavering support for animal shelters.
The day concluded with a performance by the Ornati Quartet, while the Queen spent a few minutes greeting the scientists and staff of the Foundation. Tomorrow, Queen Sofía's agenda will continue in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, where she will be awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, thus concluding a trip marked by recognition of her intellectual and social work in support of the environment.
