Summary
When visiting Albuquerque, New Mexico, make sure to schedule a day to explore the zoo. It’s not just an ordinary zoo.
The ABQ BioPark (short for Biological Park), formerly known as the Rio Grande Zoo, features 64 park-like acres with 12 diverse exhibit areas that highlight animals from across the globe. You’ll discover 200 different species here, including lions, tigers, bears, toucans, koalas, and various reptiles, seals, apes, and even zoo babies.
2. ABQ BioPark Exhibits
In addition to showcasing animals from New Mexico, the exhibits present wildlife from Africa, Australia, and tropical America. One of the newest attractions is the endangered species carousel, offering an engaging experience for visitors.
These exhibits not only entertain but also educate about wildlife and ongoing conservation efforts in their natural habitats.
3. Animal Highlights at the Zoo
A few of the many species you can see at the BioPark include:
- Amphibians
- Apes
- Big cats
- Elephants
- Mexican gray wolves
- Polar bears
- Reptiles
- Seals and sea lions
- Zoo babies
4. Other Activities
Beyond the exhibit areas, the zoo also offers exciting activities. Daily feedings of polar bears, seals, and sea lions can be observed throughout the year. During the summer months, children have the opportunity to feed giraffes or lorikeets. From April through mid-October, the World Animals Encounters show at the Nature Theater features animals flying, crawling, and climbing across the stage.
When volunteers are available, you might be able to meet a porcupine, macaw, alpaca, or llama up close. Additionally, the Story Time Station introduces young children to animal tales weekly during summer.
The zoo is an ideal place for a picnic. If you don’t have your own wagon, options for renting one are available, along with strollers and wheelchairs. The expansive park near the amphitheater offers shady spots and grassy areas, making it perfect for relaxation while kids expend their energy. Several cafes and snack bars are scattered throughout the zoo, providing ample dining options, including ice cream.
Children can stuff their own plush animals at Critter Outfitters, and two gift shops—one near the entrance and another within the African exhibit—offer unique keepsakes.
5. Prepare for Your Visit
Exploring the exhibits usually takes about two to three hours. It’s advisable to wear a hat and apply sunscreen, even during winter. The terrain is mostly flat, with some gentle inclines—individuals with mobility issues might want to consider renting a wheelchair. Walking the full length of the zoo is under two and a half miles.
6. Annual Events
In addition to daily visits to the zoo’s various exhibits, there are annual events loved by locals. Formerly, an annual Mother’s Day Concert featuring the New Mexico Philharmonic Orchestra attracted significant crowds, with BioPark members enjoying free admission. Also noteworthy is the Father’s Day Fiesta, which features mariachi music. Each summer, the Zoo Music concert series brings live performances to the zoo’s park, where visitors can enjoy music and visit the animals before the show starts.
The Zoo Boo, held each year before Halloween, is a particularly popular venue for safe trick-or-treating, allowing kids another chance to dress in costume. Furthermore, the Run for the Zoo, usually occurring on the first Sunday in May, promotes fitness while raising funds for the Albuquerque BioPark.
7. More About the Zoo
- Address: 903 10th St. SW, Albuquerque
- Tickets: Check the website for current ticket prices. Inquire about military discounts and membership cards for savings. Discounted ticket days occur every three months—January, April, July, and October. Be prepared with extra money if you wish to ride the Zoo Train or Member Train. You can access the Aquarium, Botanic Garden, and Tingley Beach with a BioPark combo ticket.
- Getting There: The zoo is conveniently located just south of downtown in Barelas. By car, take Central Avenue to 10th Street and turn south. Drive approximately eight blocks to find the zoo on your right, with ample free parking available. By bus, riders can take the 66 lines to Central and 10th, then walk eight blocks south (about a half-mile). Bus 53 stops one block from the zoo entrance.
