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Living Paleolithic
Published on 02 November 2017
Spain
Andalucía
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About this good practice
In 2012, 4 scientists launched this project to reintroduce European bison and Przewalski horses (prehistoric horses in danger of extinction) in the surroundings of Atapuerca (Burgos). This project will give the opportunity of understanding and seeing animals that lived in Europe 10,000 years. The project also allows visitors to approach Prehistory directly through the protagonists of those ecosystems of the Upper Paleolithic.
The main objective of the practice is to study evolution by showing it in a different and attractive way by recreating the past through animals and prehistoric life form.
“Living Paleolithic” offers the opportunity to live an experience conceived as a Total Immersion in the Prehistory, entering in the daily living of the Prehistoric inhabitants.
To reach these objectives the idea of the Serengeti Safaris (Africa) was replicated offering:
1.Jeep visits. They are performed passing through the different locations where the animals are. The prehistoric ecosystem, the project and the differences between our ancestors and ourselves are fully described. The 4 species are visited, allowing the visitors time for the photographs
2.Visit on foot. The tour is divided into locations, themes and times, including: prehistoric fauna with approximations, prehistoric camp, paintings and elaboration, importance of water, man resources and hunting... It allows visitor to move through the forest,being able to vary the route according to the location of the animals.
The main objective of the practice is to study evolution by showing it in a different and attractive way by recreating the past through animals and prehistoric life form.
“Living Paleolithic” offers the opportunity to live an experience conceived as a Total Immersion in the Prehistory, entering in the daily living of the Prehistoric inhabitants.
To reach these objectives the idea of the Serengeti Safaris (Africa) was replicated offering:
1.Jeep visits. They are performed passing through the different locations where the animals are. The prehistoric ecosystem, the project and the differences between our ancestors and ourselves are fully described. The 4 species are visited, allowing the visitors time for the photographs
2.Visit on foot. The tour is divided into locations, themes and times, including: prehistoric fauna with approximations, prehistoric camp, paintings and elaboration, importance of water, man resources and hunting... It allows visitor to move through the forest,being able to vary the route according to the location of the animals.
Resources needed
The park opened in 2015 after three years of four people hard work and a private-public investment of 100.000 €. It started with a few animals (mainly bison ceded by countries as Holland) thanks to a program of species in danger of extinction. Nowadays, they would need more cars and staff to grow.
Evidence of success
It is a project as pioneering as attractive: to create nearthe AtapuercaArchaeological Site a reserve of prehistoric animals and in danger of extinction that, in addition, can be visited.
This past year more than 700 students have visited the prehistoric reserve and on Easter all the available tickets were sold with up to eight visits per day
In addition and thanks to believe his project, in 2015, the director of the "Living Paleolithic" won the award "young entrepreneur".
This past year more than 700 students have visited the prehistoric reserve and on Easter all the available tickets were sold with up to eight visits per day
In addition and thanks to believe his project, in 2015, the director of the "Living Paleolithic" won the award "young entrepreneur".
Potential for learning or transfer
It is a special project because it is unique at European level and even worldwide. The project is difficult to replicate, not only because it has four species in danger of extinction in the reserve, but also because of the privileged environment in which it is due to the short distance between the Paleolithic Reserve and the AtapuercaArchaeological Sitewhich enable to reach a total immersion in prehistory. Although its low replicability, the synergies with other regions can be very large, and the model of project can be taken as reference and adapt it to each territory in the same way that the African safaris were adapted to become prehistoric safaris.
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Organisation
Sierra Activa
Spain
Castilla y León
Contact
Project Manager