Massive amounts of acidic waters and mud (pH approximately 3) containing toxic metals such as zinc, lead, arsenic, copper, antimony, cobalt, thallium, bismuth, cadmium, silver, mercury and selenium were released in the surroundings of Doñana Park as a consequence of the mine tailings spill accident in Aznalcollar (SW Spain). This introductory paper describes the main characteristics of Doñana Park, the mine activities developed in Aznalcollar and their related environmental risks. The tailing spill accident and the first package of urgent actions undertaken for preventive and mitigation purposes are also summarized.