The Magic Carnival begins

A Carnival that combines play, science, and biodiversity conservation. Starting February 14th, Natura Viva Park opens its doors to the Magic Carnival, with a program of events that transforms the park into a veritable Nature Olympics. The focus is on animals and their extraordinary abilities—speed, strength, endurance, and adaptation—revealed through educational and fun experiences. Science education is also a must, with the presentation of the book "Animali Superstar" and a talk with author Caterina Spiezio, a psychobiologist at the Natura Viva Park Foundation. This is a tribute to children's most anticipated time of year, intertwined with the current events of the Winter Games underway between Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo.

At the heart of the Magical Carnival are experiences that transform play for adults and children into opportunities to discover the animal kingdom. With Games in Motion, visitors can challenge themselves on a fun-sports course inspired by biodiversity records: from the speed of the Cheetah Track to the balance of the Sloth Walkway, from the leaps of the Frog Marsh to the collaboration of the Ant Relay. Each challenge becomes a way to test the skills that evolution has honed over millennia. The story continues with the Carnival Special Talks, sessions led by Park educators who guide the public in their exploration of animal behavior and the species' adaptability, making scientific dissemination accessible to all. Also eagerly awaited is Carnival Enrichment, the traditional event dedicated to the preparation of environmental enrichments, strictly carnival-themed, offering visitors the opportunity to participate in one of the keepers' daily activities related to animal welfare.

‍Twenty true stories of animals at the forefront of extraordinary feats
On Saturday, February 15th, at 3:00 PM at Adventure Camp, the book "Animali Superstar" (Edizioni Lapis, 2025) will be presented. This illustrated tale takes readers on a journey through animal behaviors and adaptations that have shaped the history of scientific research and the relationship between humans and other species. Caterina Spiezio, a psychobiologist at the Natura Viva Park Foundation and co-author of the book with Jacopo Olivieri, will guide the audience on this journey through curiosities, data, and little-known stories. The book, illustrated by Giovanni Gastaldi, combines scientific rigor with accessible language to introduce science without simplification. Following the event, there will be a book signing with the author, an opportunity to share curiosities, background information, and details that emerged during the creation of the book.

‍Animal imagination comes to life
Alongside educational experiences, the Magic Carnival features a program of shows and entertainment that explores the animal world through the language of celebration and imagination. The Cosplayer Walking-Through awaits masked adults and children in the Adventure Camp area, for a rendezvous with superheroes, fantastical creatures, and imaginary worlds. The Olympic theme continues in the Hula Hop Show, which blends circus entertainment and sportsmanship through acrobatic displays inspired by the Olympic rings, while the Bubble Show offers children a beloved moment of wonder, amidst bubbles and color-changing reflections. Rounding out the program, Carnival Face Painting transforms children's faces into masks inspired by extraordinary animals and fantastical creatures.