Still Discovering Spain...

Within the spectacular complex of the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias (City of Arts and Sciences), the Oceanogràfic de Valencia aquarium is home to some of those treasures that nature usually reserves for those who are able to go and seek them.

When it is a matter of penetrating the Arctic waters of Canada, which is not exactly an easy feat, it is undeniable that being able to view the smiling beluga whales that live at the Oceanogràfic becomes altogether a privilege. In fact, they are the only examples of this species living in captivity in the whole of Europe. These beautiful animals with off-white skin, almost closer to dolphins than to whales, receive visitors from their aquatic tank with a joviality that never fails to surprise.

They are also known as sea canaries, on account of how vocal they are and the huge range of trills, laughs, whistles and squeaks that they use without inhibition of any kind. Viewing them in surroundings that replicate their natural habitat as well as those at the Oceanogràfic is a real pleasure and altogether an experience for anyone, whatever their age. And, to the side, in the same enclosure, the somewhat more scandalous and sullen walruses complete our tour of the Canadian Arctic.

https://www.oceanografic.org/en/especie/beluga-whales/

Whether for it or against it, everyone knows about bullfighting. But how many people have heard of bull-leaping—bullfighting’s more likeable and entertaining cousin?

Bull leaping, or 'recorte', is the art of confronting a bull without any weapon besides your own agility and wit. In it, "recortadores"—the bull-leaping equivalent of the matador—simply evade the bull by turning their waists, side-stepping, or leaping over the bull, yes, literally leaping over the bull. Like dodge ball but with a bull, not a ball!

This short video on bull leaping, produced by Great Big Story, takes you into the world of Jose Manuel Medina, a Recortador. Along with countless other people in Spain, Medina dedicates his life to facing bulls in the ring with nothing to defend himself, and no intention of harming the animal.

“Everyone knows that a bull can kill you,” Medina says “but I don’t see it that way. I think it’s the opposite. The bull gives me life.” As he turns seconds before the bull pierces him with its horns, and performs acrobatic leaps over the massive animal, it is easy to understand this contradiction.

Several animal rights groups that oppose bullfights support bull leaping, with the argument that this tradition causes no physical harm to the animal. Others believe that the emotional stress that the animal endures is cruel and that this practice—along with similar ones like American rodeo—should be banned. Personally, I don't see anything wrong with this practice, it's not much different to any sport that involves animals, such as horses. These bulls are wild and never trained to do anything, they just use their instinct to go after the 'recortador'. 

What do you think?