Nestled within the heart of Albuquerque,
New Mexico, the ABQ BioPark Zoo stands as a captivating testament to the
diversity and beauty of our planet's animal kingdom. A cherished component of
the Albuquerque Biological Park, this 64-acre oasis of wonderment traces its
roots back to 1927, initially known as the Rio Grande Zoo. Over the years, it
has evolved into an awe-inspiring haven for both animal enthusiasts and curious
minds, drawing visitors from near and far to experience its extraordinary
exhibits.
A Tapestry of Life
Flamingo Crossing: Where Elegance Meets
Avian Majesty At the threshold of the zoo, Flamingo Crossing beckons with its
enchanting moated island, a sanctuary for the vibrant Caribbean flamingos. The
island's verdant bamboo vegetation provides a harmonious backdrop for these
elegant creatures.
Reptile House: A Window into the Scaled
Realm Undergoing a transformative renovation in 2012, the Reptile House has
emerged as a haven for diverse reptilian species. Slithering snakes, majestic
tortoises, and fascinating lizards inhabit its chambers. The house also proudly
hosts the illustrious Komodo dragons, while the new Gator Swamp Exhibit invites
guests to witness the majestic American alligators basking in an outdoor heated
pool.
Raptor Roost: Soaring Heights of Freedom A
symphony of aerial majesty unfolds within the Raptor Roost. This collection of
expansive aviaries is home to Andean condors, golden eagles, great horned owls,
and the impressive Steller's sea eagles.
Walking through ABQ BioPark Zoo, you'll
traverse a captivating journey, stepping into diverse ecosystems that house an
incredible array of species. From the majestic felines of the Catwalk to the
playful penguins of the Penguin Chill, each exhibit tells a unique story of the
natural world.
The Ethereal Polar Realm
Inukshuk Bay: A Polar Wonderland Inukshuk
Bay offers a mesmerizing glimpse into the world of polar bears. Through
underwater viewing windows, visitors can observe these magnificent creatures as
they gracefully navigate their aquatic domain, or ascend to the exhibit's
summit for a panoramic view of their playful antics.
Penguin Chill: A Frozen Oasis in the Desert
The highly anticipated Penguin Chill exhibit, unveiled in July 2019, captivates
with its splendor. Here, gentoo penguins, macaroni penguins, and king penguins
thrive in an innovative habitat. As you stroll along the outdoor deck, observe
penguins swimming beneath your feet through a captivating glass floor.
A Symphony of Sights and Sounds
Birds of the Americas: A Cross-Continental
Gathering The Birds of the Americas exhibit is a harmonious blend of North and
South American avian wonders. Within its confines, burrowing owls, Gambel's
quails, greater roadrunners, hyacinth macaws, and sun conures unite to create a
vibrant tapestry of colors and melodies.
Birds of the Islands: An Exotic Paradise
Opened in 2020, the Birds of the Islands exhibit showcases the stunning
diversity of island-dwelling birds. Amidst the aviaries, graceful Aldabra giant
tortoises add a touch of ancient majesty to this captivating tableau.
Conservation and Community
Mexican Wolf Exhibit: Guardians of a
Fragile Legacy The Mexican Wolf Exhibit stands as a testament to the zoo's
commitment to conservation. It shelters the endangered Mexican gray wolves,
playing a vital role in their survival. Recent additions to the pack, a
heartwarming litter of pups, remind us of the importance of protecting these
majestic creatures.
Amphibians: Life on a Limb: An Exploration
of Slimy and Slender Amphibians: Life on a Limb, a product of the Reptile
House's transformation, introduces visitors to a captivating world of frogs and
amphibians. Among them, the critically endangered locust coquis from Puerto
Rico find refuge, their survival now intertwined with the zoo's conservation
efforts.
Across Continents and Climes
Asia: Where Giants Roam The Asia exhibit
welcomes visitors with sprawling elephant yards and barns, offering a glimpse
into the lives of the Asian elephant herd. An engaging narrative unfolds as six
majestic Asian elephants, led by the resilient Rozie, traverse this immersive
landscape.
Australia/Koala Creek: A World Down Under
In the heart of the zoo, Australia/Koala Creek embarks on a journey through the
diverse landscapes of the Land Down Under. Home to endearing creatures like
koalas, wallabies, and more, this exhibit unveils the magic of Australia's
unique fauna.
Africa: A Continent Unveiled Spanning six
acres and housing 17 separate exhibits, the Africa section immerses visitors in
the rich tapestry of the continent's flora and fauna. From the resplendent
African wild dogs to the enigmatic Southern white rhinoceros, this exhibit
celebrates the vibrant diversity of Africa.
Exploring the Primate World
Ape Walk: A Passage to Primate Majesty Ape
Walk offers an intimate encounter with the world of primates. Siamangs,
Sumatran orangutans, and western lowland gorillas inhabit this serene trail,
offering a glimpse into the intricate lives of our closest relatives.
As you traverse the ABQ BioPark Zoo, you'll
be awed by the intricate interconnectedness of Earth's creatures. The legacy of
conservation, education, and wonder that the zoo embodies is a testament to
humanity's commitment to safeguarding our planet's biodiversity. Immerse
yourself in this symphony of life, where each exhibit tells a story of
resilience, adaptation, and coexistence.
More about Albuquerque Museums
