Albuquerque BioPark Zoo
Explore over 250 species at the ABQ BioPark Zoo, featuring elephants, polar bears, penguins, and more in spacious, naturalistic habitats.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Animals are active, beat the heat
Albuquerque BioPark Zoo
Best Time
Animals are active, beat the heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore over 250 species at the ABQ BioPark Zoo, featuring elephants, polar bears, penguins, and more in spacious, naturalistic habitats.
"A great zoo with a great selection of animals, worth visiting despite some ongoing construction."
🎟️ Buy Tickets Online
Skip the lines by purchasing your tickets in advance online.
☀️ Go Early in Summer
Beat the heat and see animals at their most active by visiting in the morning.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Penguin Chill
Penguin Exhibit
Watch these charismatic birds waddle, swim, and dive in their cool, indoor habitat. A guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Polar Bear Encounter
Polar Bear Exhibit
Witness the majestic polar bear swim and play, especially during feeding times. A truly captivating sight.
African Animals
Various Exhibits
Marvel at elephants, hippos, rhinos, zebras, and giraffes in their spacious, well-maintained enclosures.
Kangaroo Joey Sighting
Kangaroo Exhibit
Catch a glimpse of the adorable kangaroo joey, a rare and exciting sight since 2013!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat and the Crowds
Check for Construction & Animal Activity
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Buy Tickets Online
Skip the lines by purchasing your tickets in advance online.
☀️ Go Early in Summer
Beat the heat and see animals at their most active by visiting in the morning.
🎒 Pack Snacks & Water
Food prices inside can be high; consider bringing your own snacks and water. Refill stations are available.
♿ Certified Autism Center
The zoo is a Certified Autism Center with trained staff and sensory guides available.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Buy Tickets Online
Skip the lines by purchasing your tickets in advance online.
☀️ Go Early in Summer
Beat the heat and see animals at their most active by visiting in the morning.
🎒 Pack Snacks & Water
Food prices inside can be high; consider bringing your own snacks and water. Refill stations are available.
♿ Certified Autism Center
The zoo is a Certified Autism Center with trained staff and sensory guides available.
🚗 Consider Parking
Parking is available, with some reviewers grateful for carport areas.
🦘 Check for New Arrivals
Keep an eye out for recent additions like the kangaroo joey!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally find the ABQ BioPark Zoo to be a pleasant and worthwhile experience, highlighting its diverse animal collection and spacious habitats. However, some reviewers caution against visiting during peak summer heat due to reduced animal visibility and extreme temperatures. Ongoing construction can also impact the visitor experience, though completed renovations are impressive.
"DEFINITELY DO NOT RECOMMEND VISITING THIS ZOO IN THE SUMMER.
We were just passing through Albuquerque and decided to visit the zoo — what a disappointment. You won’t really see any animals. A few birds and some exhausted kangaroos hiding in the shade — that’s about it. It felt like a complete waste of time and money.
I strongly suggest checking the weather forecast and asking the staff if animals will even be out before you buy tickets.
My husband and I love zoos and try to visit one in every city we travel to in the U.S. There were times when the weather was cool and a zoo employee actually told us in advance that the animals would be hiding indoors. We appreciated that honesty.
Here in Albuquerque, nobody warned us about anything — not a word. I think that’s unfortunate. If we had known, we absolutely wouldn’t have gone.
I get it — they’re trying to make money — but this felt wrong. We left feeling quite disappointed. The choice is yours, but personally, I wouldn’t return or recommend it during hot weather."
Maryna Bilotserkivets
"I love our zoo. Its much nicer than many we have been to. There is a great selection of animals to view: elephants, hippos, rhino, zebra, giraffes, polarbear, but to name a few. I love the fact that the animals have the choice to be out in their enclosures or inside where they have temperature controlled environments. That does may mean, however, that if animals choose to be inside, you will not see them. Sometimes I walk around twice just to double check. In the summer, it's always good to go early in the morning. There have been some great changes to the habitats at the zoo. The animals really do have great space. However, there has been ongoing construction due to this, and it seems about 1/3 of the zoo is currently closed. Four more habitat construction. I have been super excited about most of the changes except for the Australia shores. That has been disappointing after the big build up to its opening. The paths are well maintained, and zoo well mapped out. It's great that even in the heat of the summer, many of the areas are shaded by trees. You can always pop into the Penguin Chill to cool down and watch these cute amazing little creatures. It's always entertaining. There is also the reptile house and indoor amphibian exhibit.
While the cost of entry is low compared to some other zoos, unfortunately the food prices inside are exorbitant. You might wish to pack a lunch or take snacks, and water in the hot summer. There are water bottle, refilling stations throughout the park. I do really miss the train and think it's a shame that the shuttle is no longer in service. One thing I think really needs to be remedied. Overall it really is a great zoo worth visiting."
Lorraine Mourning
"It was a great way to spend my wedding anniversary! The weather was pleasant,the atmosphere was filled with people from different backgrounds with their children having fun. It was relaxing & joyful! The price to get in was fair, $11 if you’re a resident of NM. Only one upset, the price for a snow cone was around $9, boo! The employees were friendly. Parking was in a carport area which we were grateful for. The Albuquerque Zoo is a great way to spend time with family and make lasting memories 🌷the elephants were my favorite ❤️"
Allison Kingsbury
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The ABQ BioPark Zoo is located in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available. Public transportation options may also be available; check local transit schedules for routes serving the BioPark. +1
Yes, parking is available for visitors. Some reviewers appreciated the availability of carport areas for shade.
Information on public transport routes to the ABQ BioPark Zoo can be found on local transit authority websites. It's recommended to check schedules in advance.
The ABQ BioPark Zoo is a Certified Autism Center and aims to be accessible. Sensory guides are available online, and paths are generally well-maintained.
The ABQ BioPark Zoo is approximately an hour's drive from Santa Fe, making it a feasible day trip.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, but residents of New Mexico can expect around $11 for entry. SNAP/EBT cardholders can receive significant discounts, with prices as low as $3 for adults and $1 for children/seniors.
Yes, purchasing tickets online is highly recommended to skip the lines and ensure a smoother entry experience.
Yes, SNAP/EBT cardholders receive substantial discounts on admission. Check the official ABQ BioPark website for any other potential promotions or group rates.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official ABQ BioPark website for the most up-to-date hours of operation before your visit.
Yes, the ABQ BioPark Society offers membership programs that provide benefits like unlimited admission to the Zoo, Aquarium, and Botanic Garden, as well as event discounts and exclusive previews.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The zoo houses over 250 species, including elephants, hippos, rhinos, zebras, giraffes, polar bears, monkeys, koalas, penguins, and more.
While some exhibits like the Australian shores have faced construction delays, the zoo is continuously updating and improving habitats. Keep an eye out for new additions and ongoing projects.
Absolutely! It's a family-friendly destination with a variety of animals that kids love. Consider visiting the Aquarium and Botanic Gardens as well for a full BioPark experience.
The ABQ BioPark complex includes an Aquarium and a Botanic Garden, offering diverse experiences from underwater life to lush plant collections.
Crowd levels can vary. Summer mornings tend to be busy, while weekdays and cooler months generally offer a less crowded experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Food options are available within the zoo, with some reviewers noting that prices can be high. One reviewer mentioned a large and good club sandwich, while others found snow cones to be expensive.
Yes, it's recommended to pack your own lunch and snacks, especially during hot weather, to save money. Water bottle refilling stations are available throughout the park.
Yes, there are water bottle refilling stations located throughout the park, which is helpful for staying hydrated.
Some visitors find the food prices inside the zoo to be exorbitant, particularly for items like snow cones.
Expect typical zoo fare, including sandwiches, ice cream, and snacks. Portion sizes for some items, like the club sandwich, can be quite generous.
📸 📸 Photography
The polar bear exhibit, penguin enclosure, and various animal habitats offer great photo opportunities. The colored glass ceiling at the amphibian entrance is also a unique architectural element worth capturing.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, always be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash photography that might disturb the animals.
You can capture images of a wide range of animals, from swimming polar bears and active penguins to zebras, giraffes, and even kangaroos.
Some exhibit glass, like at the penguin enclosure, can be scratched, making photography challenging. Visiting during active times and using appropriate camera settings can help.
Yes, the colored glass ceiling at the amphibian entrance has been noted as an impressive architectural feature that makes for interesting photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider purchasing tickets online to save time, and pack plenty of snacks and water, as food can be pricey.
Don't forget to explore the adjacent Aquarium and Botanic Garden for an extended family adventure. +1💰 Budget Travelers
Bringing your own food and water is a smart way to save money, as on-site dining can be expensive. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the ABQ BioPark Zoo
When planning your visit, be aware that the zoo is undergoing ongoing construction to enhance animal habitats. While this means some areas might be temporarily closed or require detours, the completed renovations are impressive, showcasing a commitment to animal welfare and visitor experience.
For a more enjoyable experience, especially during warmer months, arriving early in the morning is highly advised. This allows you to see animals when they are most active and avoid the peak heat of the day.
Animal Encounters and Highlights
For a truly captivating experience, don't miss the polar bear exhibit. These magnificent creatures are often seen swimming and playing, providing fantastic photo opportunities.
Beyond the larger mammals, the zoo offers encounters with a variety of other fascinating creatures, including monkeys, koalas, and a diverse reptile house. The amphibian exhibit is also noted for its unique architectural feature: a colored glass ceiling that creates a striking visual effect.
Planning Your Visit: Tips from the Community
For those visiting during the summer, arriving early in the morning is crucial to avoid the intense Albuquerque heat and to witness animals at their most active. Food prices inside the zoo can be a point of contention, with many visitors suggesting that packing your own snacks and water is a cost-effective strategy. Fortunately, water bottle refilling stations are available throughout the park to help you stay hydrated.
While the zoo is generally well-maintained, be prepared for potential construction, as the facility is continuously being updated.
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