Learn about the animal kingdom at Rio Grande Zoo. The 64-acre (26-hectare) zoo is home to hundreds of animals, including elephants, polar bears, lions, alligators and roadrunners, all living in naturalistic habitats. The zoo offers a range of scheduled activities throughout the day including talks from experts, children’s storytelling sessions and the chance to watch some of the animals being fed.
Spend the day meandering around the zoo on foot to take in each of the animal enclosures or board the zoo train that travels around the zoo. The train is a great alternative to families with young children or those with limited mobility to explore all the zoo’s precincts.
Observe the big cats, Mexican gray wolves and polar bears of the Carnivores exhibit, one of the most exciting areas of the Rio Grande Zoo. Take a walk along the Tropical Trail and see animals and plants of the American tropics. Nearby you’ll find the Reptile House, which houses 59 reptile species including crocodiles, venomous mambas and the northern Mexican garter snake.
Stroll along the Ape Walk to see chimpanzees, gorillas and orangutans. Watch seals and sea lions being fed at the twice-daily fish toss. At the outback exhibit you can study Tasmanian devils, koalas, wombats and other Australian animals. Stop by the Birds of the Americas exhibit for hyacinth macaws, burrowing owls, native roadrunners and other North and South American birds.
Additional zoo attractions include a play area for children, which features climbing apparatus and jumping water sprays.
The zoo is located a little more than 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) from downtown Albuquerque within the Albuquerque BioPark. Walk from the downtown area or drive and use the free parking spaces. Alternatively, arrive by bus from Albuquerque city center.
Rio Grande Zoo is open every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Buy a single ticket for admission to the zoo, or a combo ticket that includes the aquarium and the botanical garden. Get between the attractions by using the BioPark’s train service, which is included in your combo ticket price.
