The ABQ BioPark Zoo has been a fixture of Albuquerque, New Mexico since 1927, when it opened along the banks of the Rio Grande as the Rio Grande Zoo. Nearly a century later, it remains one of the state’s top attractions, part of the larger Albuquerque Biological Park complex that also includes an aquarium, botanic garden, and Tingley Beach.
Spread across 64 acres, the zoo is home to more than 250 species, from Asian elephants and Malayan tigers to polar bears and snow leopards. Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums since 1981, the ABQ BioPark Zoo pairs conservation-focused breeding programs, such as its work with endangered Mexican gray wolves and Texas horned lizards, with immersive exhibits like Penguin Chill and Inukshuk Bay.
Stats at a Glance
- Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Opened: 1927
- Size: 64 acres
- Species: Over 250 species
- Operator: City of Albuquerque
- Accreditation: AZA-accredited since 1981
- Famous for: Penguin Chill, polar bear exhibit, and Mexican gray wolf conservation program
Exhibits and Animal Collection
Visitors walk roughly 2.27 miles through habitats organized by region, including a six-acre Africa area with giraffes, rhinos, cheetahs, and hippos, plus an Ape Walk featuring gorillas and siamangs. The Reptile House showcases Komodo dragons and crocodilians, while Inukshuk Bay lets guests view polar bears through underwater windows. Penguin Chill, which opened in 2019, houses gentoo, macaroni, and king penguins in a climate-controlled habitat.
Conservation and Community Role
Beyond exhibits, the ABQ BioPark Zoo runs active conservation programs, including a breeding effort for endangered Mexican gray wolves and a headstarting program that has released dozens of Texas horned lizards back into the wild. The zoo also maintains one of the only captive populations of the critically endangered coquí llanero frog from Puerto Rico, underscoring its role in species preservation beyond its Albuquerque exhibits.
Explore more: Explore more Zoos & Aquariums.
ABQ BioPark Zoo FAQs
When did the ABQ BioPark Zoo open?
It opened in 1927 as the Rio Grande Zoo, making it nearly a century old.
How big is the ABQ BioPark Zoo?
The zoo covers 64 acres along the Rio Grande in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
How many species live at the zoo?
The zoo is home to more than 250 species of exotic and native animals.
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Photo: en:User:Cburnett / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.