New Mexico Zoos, Aquariums & Wildlife Parks

Discover New Mexico's diverse collection of zoos, aquariums, wildlife sanctuaries, and nature parks featuring native Southwestern animals and exotic species from around the world. From the world's largest rattlesnake collection to award-winning bioparks and free-admission community zoos, the Land of Enchantment offers exceptional wildlife experiences for all ages.

10+

Zoos & Wildlife Parks

3

Free Admission Zoos

1898

Oldest Zoo (Alameda Park)

250+

Species at ABQ BioPark

Featured Zoos & Wildlife Attractions

ABQ BioPark Zoo TOP RATED

Albuquerque

About: Founded in 1927, the 64-acre ABQ BioPark Zoo is New Mexico's largest zoo featuring more than 250 species including Asian elephants, reticulated giraffes, Malayan tigers, snow leopards, polar bears, hippos, gorillas, chimpanzees, and Tasmanian devils. The zoo is an AZA-accredited facility with specialized exhibits including Africa, Australia, Cat Walk, and a herpetology area.

Hours: Open 9 AM to 5 PM daily; Closed Mondays in winter (Veteran's Day to President's Day), Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day

Admission: Non-residents: Adults $19.50, Seniors (65+) $12.50, Children (3-12) $11; NM Residents: Adults $10, Seniors $5.50, Youth $5; Children 2 and under free

Visiting Time: 4-5 hours recommended; 2.5 miles of paths

Location: 903 10th St. SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102

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Living Desert Zoo & Gardens State Park STATE PARK

Carlsbad

About: This unique zoo and botanical garden showcases more than 40 native animal species of the Chihuahuan Desert in their natural habitats. Animals include pronghorn, badger, bison, bobcats, mule deer, elk, kit fox, Gila monster, cougar, prairie dogs, Mexican wolves, and 14 species of snakes. The aviary features golden eagles, hawks, owls, roadrunners, songbirds, and turkeys.

Trail: 1.3-mile nature walk through Chihuahuan Desert habitats

Conservation: Participates in AZA Mexican gray wolf Species Survival Plan Program

Hours: Open daily except Christmas

Location: Off U.S. Route 285, north edge of Carlsbad, NM (elevation 3,200 feet)

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Wildlife West Nature Park RESCUE SANCTUARY

Edgewood

About: A 122-acre wildlife sanctuary featuring 25 species of rescued, non-releasable native New Mexico wildlife including endangered black bears, cougars, pronghorn, tree-climbing grey foxes, bobcats, endangered Mexican wolves, javelina, hawks, crested caracaras, and a bald eagle named Deshka. This is the only zoo in the country built entirely by paid young people.

Mission: Operated by New Mexico Wildlife Association, providing permanent homes for animals that were injured, orphaned, or illegally raised as pets

Special Features: Animal enrichment programs, educational exhibits about native wildlife conservation

Location: 87 N Frontage Rd, Edgewood, NM 87015

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Spring River Park & Zoo FREE

Roswell

About: The only zoo in New Mexico offering free admission to the public! This 34-acre park features over 100 animals representing 40 species including native animals on the Captain Trail with river bottoms exhibits showcasing raccoons, bobcats, and foxes, plus prairie dogs, burrowing owls, coyotes, and wolves.

Hours: Open daily 10 AM to 4 PM (last entry at 3 PM)

Admission: FREE

Visitors: Over 100,000 annual visitors

Tours: Free guided tours Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 10:30 AM (approximately 1 hour)

Location: 1306 E. College Blvd., Roswell, NM 88201

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Complete Directory of New Mexico Zoos & Wildlife Attractions

Major Zoos

ABQ BioPark Zoo

Location: Albuquerque

Size: 64 acres

Founded: 1927

Animals: 250+ species

Admission: $19.50 adults (non-residents), $10 (NM residents)

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Hillcrest Park Zoo 2nd Largest

Location: Clovis

Founded: 1930s (current location: 1950s)

Animals: 150+ animals, 63 species including Bengal tiger, giraffes, bears, bison, zebras, monkeys, hyenas

Admission: Adults $6, Children (3-11) $3, Ages 2 and under free

Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 9 AM-4 PM (closed Mondays); Extended summer hours

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Alameda Park Zoo Oldest Zoo

Location: Alamogordo

Founded: 1898 (oldest in Southwestern US)

Size: 12 acres

Animals: 200+ animals, 90+ species including White Sands pupfish, Mexican wolf, Hawaiian goose, Ring-tailed Lemurs

Admission: Adults $5, Seniors $2.50

Hours: Daily 9 AM-5 PM (last entry 4:30 PM); Closed Christmas and New Year's

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Spring River Park & Zoo FREE

Location: Roswell

Size: 34 acres

Animals: 100+ animals, 40 species

Admission: FREE

Hours: Daily 10 AM-4 PM (last entry 3 PM)

Tours: Free guided tours Mon/Wed/Fri at 10:30 AM

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Wildlife Sanctuaries & Nature Parks

Wildlife West Nature Park

Location: Edgewood

Size: 122 acres

Type: Rescue sanctuary for non-releasable native wildlife

Animals: 25 species including black bears, cougars, Mexican wolves, javelina, raptors

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Living Desert Zoo & Gardens State Park

Location: Carlsbad

Type: State park featuring Chihuahuan Desert wildlife

Animals: 40+ native species including Mexican wolves, mountain lions, elk, bison

Trail: 1.3-mile nature walk

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New Mexico Wildlife Center

Location: Española

Type: Wildlife hospital and rehabilitation center

Services: 800-1,000 wild animals admitted annually for rehabilitation and release

Tours: Self-guided tours Tuesday-Sunday 9 AM-4 PM

Animals on Display: Desert box turtles, prairie rattlesnakes, lizards, red-tailed hawks, gray fox, raccoon

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Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary

Location: Ramah

Type: Permanent lifetime sanctuary for captive-bred wolves and wolf dogs

Mission: Rescue, sanctuary, and education about wolves

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Candy Kitchen Rescue Ranch

Location: Ramah

Type: Animal rescue and rehabilitation facility

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Runyan Ranches

Location: Mayhill

Type: Petting zoo and rescue ranch

Animals: Runyan the camel, Wallace the Asian water buffalo, llamas, zebras, horses, Cape buffalo

History: Historic house built 1880s by NM's 6th governor J.F. Hinkle

Admission: Donations accepted; Animal feed $2/bag

Roadside attraction with fishing ponds

Aquariums & Specialty Collections

ABQ BioPark Aquarium

Location: Albuquerque

Size: 285,000-gallon main shark tank

Exhibits: Gulf of Mexico and South Pacific species, coral reefs, sharks (5 species), sea turtles (3 species), stingrays, moray eels, seahorses

Special Features: 38-foot-wide viewing window; Shark/Ray encounter experiences; 50 coral species

Conservation: Rio Grande silvery minnow breeding program, Socorro isopod conservation

Hours: Daily 9 AM-5 PM (closed Mondays in winter)

Admission: Same pricing as ABQ BioPark Zoo; Combo tickets available

Website

American International Rattlesnake Museum UNIQUE

Location: Albuquerque (Old Town)

Founded: 1990

Collection: 34 different rattlesnake species - largest collection in the world (more than Bronx Zoo, Philadelphia Zoo, National Zoo, Denver Zoo, San Francisco Zoo, and San Diego Zoo combined!)

Other Animals: Tortoises, scorpions, lizards, tarantulas, live Gila monster

Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 11:30 AM-5:30 PM (Sept-May); add Sunday 1-5 PM (June-Aug)

Admission: Adults $8.95, Seniors/Military/Teachers/Students $7.95, Children $6.95

Website

Wildlife Refuges & Nature Centers

Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge PREMIER BIRDING

Location: San Antonio (Socorro County)

Size: 57,331 acres

Founded: 1939

Purpose: Critical stopover for migrating waterfowl; one of premier birding refuges in the world

Best Viewing: Early November to late January (tens of thousands of cranes, geese, and ducks); Summer for hummingbirds

Scenic Drive: 12 miles (open 1 hour before sunrise to 1 hour after sunset)

Admission: $5 per vehicle daily; $15 annual pass

Special Event: Annual Festival of the Cranes (fall)

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Rio Grande Nature Center

Location: Albuquerque

Type: Nature center and riparian habitat preserve

Features: Trails, bird watching, educational exhibits

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Petting Zoos & Farms

Cerrillos Petting Zoo at Casa Grande Trading Post

Location: Cerrillos (near Santa Fe)

Animals: Friendly goats, Coco the llama, chickens, bird aviary

Admission: $2 per bag of animal feed

Additional Features: Rock and gem store, turquoise jewelry, mining museum

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Practical Information for Visitors

Best Times to Visit

  • Spring (March-May): Pleasant temperatures, baby animals, blooming desert plants at Living Desert Zoo
  • Summer (June-August): All zoos open with extended hours; early morning or evening visits recommended to avoid heat
  • Fall (September-November): Ideal weather; peak season at Bosque del Apache (November-January for bird migration)
  • Winter (December-February): Some zoos closed Mondays; excellent for birding at wildlife refuges

Money-Saving Tips

  • Free Admission: Spring River Park Zoo (Roswell) is completely free
  • NM Resident Discounts: ABQ BioPark offers 50% off for state residents ($10 vs $19.50 adults)
  • Combo Tickets: ABQ BioPark combo includes Zoo, Aquarium, and Botanic Garden with free shuttle
  • Senior Discounts: Most zoos offer reduced senior admission (Hillcrest Zoo: 50% off 4th Saturday monthly)
  • Military Discounts: $1 off at ABQ BioPark; 50% off at Hillcrest Zoo (2nd Saturday)
  • Budget-Friendly: Alameda Park Zoo only $5 adults, $2.50 seniors
  • Annual Passes: ABQ BioPark and Bosque del Apache offer annual passes for frequent visitors

Accessibility & Amenities

  • Wheelchair Access: ABQ BioPark, Hillcrest Park Zoo, and most major facilities are fully accessible
  • Wheelchair Rentals: Free at Hillcrest Park Zoo; available at ABQ BioPark
  • Wagon Rentals: Available at Hillcrest Park Zoo (Radio Flyer wagons)
  • Parking: Free at all ABQ BioPark facilities, Hillcrest Zoo, Alameda Park Zoo
  • Restrooms: Available at all major zoos
  • Food Service: Gift shops and snack bars at most facilities
  • Stroller-Friendly: Paved paths at ABQ BioPark (2.5 miles), Hillcrest Zoo (100% stair-free)

Planning Your Visit

  • Time Needed: 4-5 hours for ABQ BioPark Zoo; 2-3 hours for smaller zoos; 1-2 hours for specialty museums
  • Arrive Early: Best animal activity in mornings; beat crowds and heat
  • Check Hours: Many zoos closed Mondays in winter; verify holiday closures
  • Dress Appropriately: Wear comfortable walking shoes; bring sun protection and water
  • Altitude Consideration: Living Desert Zoo at 3,200 feet elevation; stay hydrated
  • Educational Programs: Free guided tours at Spring River Zoo (Mon/Wed/Fri 10:30 AM)
  • Photography: Allowed at all facilities; best lighting early morning or late afternoon

Conservation & Species Survival Programs

New Mexico Zoos Leading Conservation Efforts

Several New Mexico zoos participate in critical species preservation programs:

  • Mexican Gray Wolf Recovery: Living Desert Zoo, Alameda Park Zoo, and Wildlife West participate in AZA Species Survival Plan
  • Native Fish Conservation: ABQ BioPark Aquarium runs Rio Grande silvery minnow breeding program and Socorro isopod conservation
  • White Sands Pupfish: Alameda Park Zoo participates in preservation of this endangered species
  • AZA Accreditation: ABQ BioPark is accredited by Association of Zoos and Aquariums, meeting highest standards
  • Wildlife Rehabilitation: New Mexico Wildlife Center admits 800-1,000 wild animals annually for treatment and release

Frequently Asked Questions

ABQ BioPark Zoo in Albuquerque is New Mexico's largest zoo, covering 64 acres with more than 250 species of exotic and native animals. Founded in 1927, the zoo features specialized exhibits including African savanna, Australian outback, Cat Walk with big cats, and extensive herpetology displays. The zoo is part of the larger ABQ BioPark which collectively sees 1.5 million visitors annually and includes an aquarium, botanic garden, and Tingley Beach recreational area.

Yes! Spring River Park & Zoo in Roswell offers completely free admission and is the only free zoo in New Mexico. The 34-acre facility features over 100 animals representing 40 species and attracts more than 100,000 visitors annually. Free guided tours are offered Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 10:30 AM. Additionally, Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge charges only $5 per vehicle for world-class bird watching, and many wildlife sanctuaries request donations rather than mandatory admission fees.

Living Desert Zoo & Gardens State Park in Carlsbad exclusively focuses on native Chihuahuan Desert species, making it the premier destination for seeing New Mexico wildlife in natural habitats. The park features over 40 native species including Mexican wolves, mountain lions, elk, bison, pronghorn, bobcats, and 14 species of snakes. Wildlife West Nature Park in Edgewood is another excellent choice, operating as a 122-acre rescue sanctuary for 25 species of non-releasable native wildlife including endangered black bears, cougars, and Mexican wolves. Both facilities prioritize conservation and education about Southwestern ecosystems.

Alameda Park Zoo in Alamogordo, founded in 1898, is the oldest zoo in New Mexico and claims to be the oldest zoo in the Southwestern United States. Originally established as a deer park to entertain train passengers while trains refueled, the zoo has grown into a 12-acre facility housing over 200 animals representing more than 90 species. Despite its age, admission remains very affordable at just $5 for adults. The zoo participates in important conservation programs including the Mexican wolf Species Survival Plan and preservation of the White Sands pupfish.

Yes, the ABQ BioPark Aquarium in Albuquerque features marine life from the Gulf of Mexico and South Pacific. The highlight is a massive 285,000-gallon shark tank with a 38-foot-wide viewing window displaying five shark species (sandtiger, sandbar, nurse, zebra, and tasselled wobbegong sharks), plus sea turtles, stingrays, moray eels, and barracudas. The aquarium also features 50 coral species in a 1,500-gallon reef exhibit, seahorses, jellyfish, and interactive shark/ray encounter experiences. Conservation programs include breeding endangered Rio Grande silvery minnow and protecting Socorro isopods. The aquarium is open daily 9 AM-5 PM with combo tickets available for the zoo, aquarium, and botanic garden.

Several facilities in New Mexico feature wolves, particularly endangered Mexican gray wolves. Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary in Ramah provides permanent sanctuary specifically for captive-bred wolves and wolf-dogs. Wildlife West Nature Park in Edgewood houses rescued Mexican wolves in their 122-acre facility. Living Desert Zoo & Gardens State Park in Carlsbad participates in the AZA Mexican gray wolf Species Survival Plan and displays wolves in naturalistic Chihuahuan Desert habitats. Spring River Zoo in Roswell features wolves and coyotes in a 2,500-square-foot exhibit. These facilities prioritize conservation, education, and providing lifetime care for non-releasable animals.

New Mexico boasts several unique animal collections found nowhere else. The American International Rattlesnake Museum in Albuquerque Old Town holds the world's largest collection of different rattlesnake species (34 varieties) - more than the Bronx Zoo, National Zoo, Denver Zoo, San Francisco Zoo, and San Diego Zoo combined. The museum also features live Gila monsters (one of few venomous lizard species), scorpions, and tarantulas. ABQ BioPark Zoo is one of few facilities displaying Tasmanian devils and features rare species like Hartmann's mountain zebras and Malayan tigers. Living Desert Zoo specializes in Chihuahuan Desert species rarely seen in captivity, including kit foxes and desert-adapted reptiles. Alameda Park Zoo preserves the critically endangered White Sands pupfish found only in New Mexico.

Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge near San Antonio is internationally recognized as one of the premier birding destinations in the world. The 57,331-acre refuge attracts tens of thousands of sandhill cranes, snow geese, and ducks from early November through late January, creating spectacular dawn and dusk flyouts. The 12-mile scenic drive ($5 per vehicle, $15 annual pass) is open from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset. Spring and fall migrations bring hundreds of species passing through. Summer offers excellent hummingbird viewing with four species: black-chinned, calliope, broad-tailed, and rufous. The annual Festival of the Cranes in November draws birders from around the world. Morning and evening visits provide the best wildlife activity, and the visitor center offers maps and current sighting information.

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Last updated on November 27, 2025