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ABQ BioPark Zoo

Nature & parks
In Albuquerque, New Mexico
0.6 mi from Route 66

The ABQ BioPark Zoo in Albuquerque, NM, has welcomed visitors since 1927, when it opened as the Rio Grande Zoo. Covering 64 acres, it belongs to the city's Albuquerque Biological Park, which holds AZA accreditation. Exhibit areas include Africa, Australia, the Cat Walk and a reptile and amphibian section, and a narrow-gauge train links the zoo to the rest of the BioPark.

What is ABQ BioPark Zoo?

The zoo spreads over 64 acres, and a full loop on foot runs about 2.3 miles. It is organized into areas: an Africa section, an Australia section, the Cat Walk, plus a herpetology area for reptiles and amphibians. A carousel themed on endangered species joined the grounds in 2016.

The zoo is one piece of a larger whole. A narrow-gauge train line links it with the other parts of the Albuquerque Biological Park, so a visit can easily stretch into a full day.

History of ABQ BioPark Zoo

The zoo was founded in 1927 and was first called the Rio Grande Zoo. It later took the ABQ BioPark name as part of the city's biological park. The endangered species carousel, added in 2016, is one of its newer attractions. The BioPark as a whole holds AZA accreditation (Association of Zoos and Aquariums), a mark of recognized standards of care.

Visiting ABQ BioPark Zoo: tips

Plan on spending at least half a day, and wear comfortable shoes, since there is a lot of walking. There is parking, there are restrooms on site, the grounds are wheelchair accessible, and the zoo is well suited to children. The train is a good way to rest tired legs while reaching the rest of the BioPark.

Rio Grande Valley State Park is about 0.4 miles away for a quieter outdoor break. The New Mexico Holocaust & Intolerance Museum is about 0.8 miles off, and the Huning Highlands Conoco Service Station about 1.2 miles.

Practical info

Address: 903 10th St SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102
Phone: +1 505-768-2000
Website: cabq.gov/culturalservices/biopark/zoo
Hours: Daily 9–5
On site & nearby

Sources: OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL) · Wikidata · official site — may be outdated. Suggest a fix

Where to eat near ABQ BioPark Zoo

All diners →

Diner & restaurant
El Modelo
Albuquerque, NM · 0.9 mi from ABQ BioPark Zoo
A Barelas restaurant in Albuquerque that began in 1929 as the El Modelo Tortilla Factory.
Diner & restaurant
Frontier Restaurant
Albuquerque, NM · 2.5 mi from ABQ BioPark Zoo
A big New Mexican restaurant near UNM on Central Avenue, hung with portraits of John Wayne.
Diner & restaurant
Mac's La Sierra
Albuquerque, NM · 2.5 mi from ABQ BioPark Zoo
A New Mexican restaurant on Albuquerque's West Central Avenue, the city's Route 66, dating from 1952.