ABQ BioPark Zoo

ABQ BioPark Zoo and its collection

ABQ BioPark Zoo, opened in 1927, is a zoo in Albuquerque, United States.

Dating from 1927 and covering 64 acres, it began life under the name Rio Grande Zoo. A narrow-gauge rail line links it with the rest of the Albuquerque Biological Park.

Animals and collection

Animals on show include Binturong, Jaguar, Ocelot, Siamang and Giraffe.

Exhibits

The grounds are divided into Africa, Australia, a herpetology section and the Cat Walk, with a moated island of Caribbean flamingos near the entrance and Inukshuk Bay giving several angles onto the polar bears. Steller's sea eagles, great horned owls, golden eagles and Andean condors occupy the aviaries, and a pack of Mexican wolves, described as the most threatened wolf in the country, is also kept. A reptile building rebuilt in 2012 and a carousel of endangered species installed in 2016 stand among the exhibits, while a narrow-gauge railway connects the zoo to the rest of the Albuquerque Biological Park.

What the venue says

• BioPark Connections
• Indoor dining is available at the Shark Reef Café and Cottonwood Café. You can order online here ahead of time from the Shark Reef Café for carry out or patio seating
• Parking is free at all facilities. For special events, please check the event listing for park-and-ride opportunities and other parking details.
• The zoo features paved sidewalks covering most of the approximately 1.5-mile outdoor walking route
• some areas contain steep grades and slopes—particularly near the Catwalk, Reptiles, and the entrances to the Apewalk and Africa exhibits
• Indoor accessible spaces include Penguin Chill, Reptiles, Life on a Limb, and the Cottonwood Cafe
• Standard wheelchairs ($10) and single/double strollers are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Jungle Wheels shop near the zoo entrance
• Electronic Convenience Vehicles (ECVs/scooters) can also be rented at the zoo for a fee plus a refundable deposit
• The ABQ BioPark is a designated Certified Autism Center™ (CAC), with staff trained in assisting autistic and sensory-sensitive visitors
• Designated quiet zones and refresh areas (such as Dee's Garden) are available when visitors need a break from high-stimulation spaces
• ADA-recognized service animals are permitted in public areas across the facility, while pets are strictly prohibited