From shorelines to structures, handicrafts to animal parks and taverns to heritage, Mexico boasts a diverse array of attractions that captivate visitors of all age groups. Regardless of your age or preferences, Mexico has something special in store for you! For instance, the animal parks in Mexico can bring joy to both children and adults alike, with some parks offering interactive experiences and sessions for young audiences.
7 Essential Zoos to Explore in Mexico
Below are some of the largest and finest animal parks in Mexico that will certainly enthrall both you and your little ones:
1. Aluxes Ecoparque
This animal park is the perfect spot to witness Mexican wildlife in its natural habitat. Many of the animals in the park have been rescued from illegal trade networks and prohibited animal smuggling operations. The park is home to a wide variety of animals and birds that are indigenous to Mexico, such as the jaguar, ocelot, parrot, and a plethora of monkeys. It is situated near the Palenque National Park.
Location: Carretera Palenque-Ruinas Km 2.6, Palenque 29960, MéxicoOpening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMRatings: 4.5Entrance Fee: 150 pesos
2. Croco Cun Zoo
The Croco Cun Zoo in Puerto Morelos was originally a crocodile farm. Today, it houses a diverse range of animal species. Visitors have the opportunity to get up close and personal with spider monkeys freely roaming the area, and even play with Mexican dogs if desired. The zoo provides exceptional interactive services, allowing visitors to hold baby crocodiles and snakes for photographs, feed white-tailed deer, and interact with beautiful chirpy parrots. The natural splendor of the Croco Cun Zoo and its marvelous interactive session together make this place an essential zoo to visit in Mexico.
Place: Cancun Tulum Highway, kilometer 31, Puerto Morelos 77580, MexicoOperating Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMRankings: 4.5Admission Fee: 25 pesos
3. Guadalajara Zoo
The zoo in Guadalajara can be found in Jalisco, Mexico, and is recognized as the largest zoo in Mexico. The location is actually an ecological reserve, covering an area of one square mile. In this zoo, you will come across approximately 4000 animals that belong to 392 different species, including mammals, birds, amphibians, fish, and reptiles. The place also houses a special section known as the Veterinary Ranch, where trained veterinarians explain methods of dealing with domestic animals.
Place: Paseo del Zoologico 600 | Huentitán el Alto, Guadalajara 44390, MexicoOperating Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PMRankings: 4.5Admission Fee: 80 peso Adults, 47 peso children
4. Zoomat
This is perhaps one of the most varied zoos in Mexico. Situated in Chiapas, ZOOMAT was established in 1942. Nowadays, the zoo spans across 250 acres of Mexican land and serves as a residence for otters, tapirs, jaguars, anteaters, birds, and other animals native to Mexico. The animals are housed in spacious enclosures with vegetation that replicates their natural habitats. The Casa Nocturna allows visitors to observe nocturnal creatures during the day with the aid of artificial lighting.
Place: Calle Señor del Pozo 242, Cerro Hueco, 29094 Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chis., MexicoHours: 8:30AM–4:30PMRatings: 4.6Admission Fee: Free
5. Chapultepec Zoo
Situated in Chapultepec, Mexico City, the Zoologico de Chapultepec shelters more than 2000 animals from 200 different species. However, the exhibition is incomplete without the three enormous pandas on the premises, which were donated to the zoo by the Chinese government. The zoo attracts over five million visitors every year, which attests to its popularity.
Place: Calle Chivatito s/n 1ª sección del Bosque de Chapultepec, Col. San MiguelChapultepec, 11850 Delegación Miguel Hidalgo, CDMX, México
Hours: 9AM-4:30PM
Ratings: 4.1Admission Fee: Free
6. African Zoo
The African Zoo in Puebla lets visitors witness over 2500 animals in their simulated natural habitats. The enjoyable aspect of this zoo is that visitors can either opt to move around the park in their private vehicle or use the one provided by the park itself. The park’s vehicles are called the Africa Moines. Once the safari is complete, you can visit the Zona de Aventuras, which features a bat cave, a kangaroo area, a butterfly garden, the turtle room, and the red panda exhibit. To interact with animals like goats, cows, rabbits, and guinea pigs, visit the Zona de Contacto.
Place: Boulevard Capitán Carlos Camacho Espiritu Km 16.5, Oasis, 72960 Puebla, MéxicoHours: 10AM-6PMAdmission Fee: 1500 pesos
7. Zoological Park Los Coyotes
Zoological Park Los Coyotes is one of the most impressive zoos in Mexico and is the third of its kind in Mexico City. It showcases the indigenous wildlife of Mexico, particularly the two coyotes after whom the zoo has been named. Previously, the zoo was the location of a rehabilitation center for confiscated animals, but that deteriorated. The Los Coyotes Zoo was constructed to replace the older zoo and opened its doors to the public on February 2nd, 1999, and has been a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Zoo Leon is another equally fantastic zoo where you can spend some time, in between sightseeing or shopping.
Location: Av. Heroica Escuela Naval Militar S/N, Ex Ejido San Pablo Tepetlapa, 04900 Coyoacán, CDMX, Mexico
Hours: 6:00AM-5:30PM
Admission Fee: 10 peso per person
These zoos are fantastic places to have some fun with your companions and family on your upcoming journey to Mexico. Make sure to include them in your itinerary, you will not be disappointed. But before that, do not miss the opportunity to experience a stress-free trip to Mexico with Fred and Fuzzys!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Zoos In Mexico
What is so unique about the zoo in Mexico?
The zoo in Mexico is typically situated in a natural environment similar to another national park. Animals are not typically confined to small spaces, but instead provided with a facility resembling a jungle.
Which zoo is the most popular in Mexico?
The most well-liked zoo in Mexico is Croco Cun Zoo. It originated as a crocodile farm, but eventually expanded to become a home for a wide range of species. The zoo offers the opportunity to interact with and hold baby animals, adding an extra element of adventure.
When is the optimal time to visit these zoos?
The ideal period to visit this zoo is between April and June, when the animals are most likely to be visible in an open setting. During other times, they tend to hide in more secluded areas.
Do lions exist in the wild in Mexico?
Indeed, lions can be found in Mexico. The majority of the lion population in Mexico resides in jungles, deserts, and other natural habitats.
What species of monkeys inhabit Mexico?
Mexico is home to various monkey species, including the Mexican Black Howler Monkey and the Yucatan Spider Monkey.
Are cheetahs present in Mexico?
There is no available information regarding the presence of cheetahs in Mexico.
