Four people are under investigation by the Guardia Civil for allegedly spray-painting threatening messages on the walls and sign of Loro Parque, a well-known zoo and marine park in Tenerife.
The acts of vandalism, which occurred in two separate incidents, are believed to be linked to radical animal rights and environmental activist groups.
The investigation, part of a broader operation codenamed "NAGROM", spans across three Canary Islands - Tenerife, La Palma, and Lanzarote. The suspects are facing serious charges including making threats, criminal damage, and defamation directed at the business owned by Wolfgang Kiessling, the founder and president of Loro Parque.
The first incident took place on 27th November 2024, when two hooded individuals spray-painted messages such as "Loro Parque murderers" on a facility in the south of Tenerife. One of the vandals recorded the act on a mobile phone.
A second act of vandalism occurred on 20th February 2025 at Loro Parque’s main premises in Puerto de la Cruz. In this instance, graffiti included direct threats such as "Kiessling, we're coming for you, murderer". Once again, the act was recorded on video and subsequently shared online.
Following the February incident, Loro Parque’s legal representatives filed an official complaint with the Guardia Civil in Santa Cruz. The visibility of these threats in public areas raised alarm over the potential risk to Kiessling and his family.
Authorities confirmed that the graffiti and accompanying footage were widely shared on social media, posing not only a reputational risk but also potential financial harm to the business.
In response, the Guardia Civil launched the enforcement phase of Operation NAGROM. Investigators have identified four suspects, two based in Tenerife, one in La Palma, and one in Lanzarote, who are now formally under investigation.
The Guardia Civil has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding public safety and protecting private property, stressing that acts of intimidation and vandalism will be dealt with seriously.
The findings of the investigation have been submitted to the Court of Instruction in Puerto de la Cruz, where proceedings are ongoing.
