On December 2, Faunia became the setting for a truly special moment: the official presentation of the Guardia Civil’s 2026 Charity Calendar, whose proceeds will benefit the Autism Confederation of Spain.

The event brought together representatives from the Directorate General of the Guardia Civil, along with teams from Faunia, Zoo Aquarium de Madrid, and Atlantis Aquarium, and several people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who took part in the creation of the calendar.

This initiative captured the essence of Parques Reunidos, fostering inclusion, collaboration, and conservation. Over the past months, our parks opened their doors to host the photo sessions, where people with autism shared unique experiences with different Guardia Civil units, including SEPRONA (Nature Protection Service of the Guardia Civil, responsible for safeguarding the environment and animal welfare), in natural and educational settings surrounded by animals.

The result was more than a series of photographs. It was a story of empathy, teamwork, and shared commitment. The calendar stands as a powerful example of how institutions and companies can work together to create positive impact and raise awareness for inclusion.

We sat down with Mª José Luis, PR & Communications Director for the Animal Parks Cluster in Spain, to reflect on what this project meant for her and for everyone involved.

How did the collaboration with the Guardia Civil for this charity calendar begin?
It started from a shared vision to create something that combined inclusion, education, and our deep connection to nature. The Guardia Civil was looking for authentic environments to tell their story, and our parks offered the ideal backdrop to connect people, animals, and awareness around autism.

What stood out to you most during the photo sessions?
Watching people with autism interact with Guardia Civil professionals and our animal care teams was deeply touching. The involvement and empathy shown by the Guardia Civil units, together with the collaboration of our animal care teams, made it a truly special experience. It was incredibly moving to see how people with autism and their families enjoyed connecting with nature and animals.  

 What message do you hope the calendar conveys to the public?
That inclusion is something we build every day through small gestures. When we open our spaces and hearts, we can make a real difference and show that nature has the power to unite us.

Personally, what did this project mean to you?
It’s been one of the most fulfilling projects of my career. It’s about communication with purpose, teamwork, and using our parks as platforms to generate positive impact beyond education. It also highlights the positive effects of inclusive leisure activities involving contact with animals, as well as the collaboration with security forces such as the Guardia Civil, whose commitment and dedication to this deeply moving charitable initiative have been truly inspiring.

At Parques Reunidos, we are proud to have contributed to this initiative, a beautiful reminder that when inclusion and nature come together, something truly meaningful happens.