Zoológico de Fauna Sudamericana — Zoo in Santa Cruz de la Sierra

Zoológico de Fauna Sudamericana and its collection

Zoológico de Fauna Sudamericana is a zoo in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia.

The zoo counts among the city's tourist draws, largely for the range of native species it keeps.

History

Its founder, Noel Kempff Mercado, was an established naturalist by the early 1960s and toured European zoos, old and new, before setting it up; he also created the botanical garden on the banks of the Piraí river. It was inaugurated on 19 August 1979 as a municipal zoo, starting on thin municipal funds but broad public backing. The opening collection ran to roughly 20 species and 150 animals.

Animals and collection

As of 2018 the collection stood at 232 species and 1,800 individual animals.

What the venue says

• guided tours can be arranged in advance for groups
• the city's oldest Motoyoé tree
• The property includes a food court area where snacks and refreshments can be purchased, though outside food is generally prohibited inside the active animal zones.
• street parking and nearby drop-off spaces are available around the perimeter, though visitors typically arrive by taxi or public transit given its accessible urban location
• The facility offers free entry for persons with disabilities, and guided services can be tailored to accommodate accessibility needs.