ALBUQUERQUE, NM—For the fourth year in a row, the ABQ BioPark achieved an all-time attendance record and continues to be the most visited destination in New Mexico. More than 1,238,200 guests enjoyed the animals, gardens, events and education programs offered during fiscal year 2013, which ended June 30.

“We were pleased to see continued growth this year, even with the fee increase implemented last summer to fund much needed maintenance,” said Mayor Richard J. Berry. “Our community provides great support to the ABQ BioPark, and we appreciate that everyone continues to come and bring their out-of-town guests, too! This kind of support makes it possible for us to ensure that the zoo, aquarium, botanic garden and Tingley Beach keep shining as the jewels of our great city.”

Many guests came to enjoy new exhibits that opened during FY13: Amphibians: Life on a Limb, Pacific Coral Reef and Birds of the Americas. All three were funded through the New Mexico BioPark Society’s current capital campaign. Tropical butterflies fluttered into the PNM Butterfly Pavilion this year, and new “zoo babies”--Chopper the white rhino, Abiquiu the giraffe, Pixi the orangutan and Kira and Trini the snow leopards--have been very popular with zoo goers this year.

“We are happy to have served a record number of guests yet again,” said Rick Janser, BioPark Director. “Our team works hard to provide a fun and rich experience for visitors, keep our facilities in good shape, and take exceptional care of the animals and plants living here. Our staff does a great job, and we truly appreciate when our community gives us good feedback by continuing to support us and coming back to see us again and again.”

In addition to new exhibits and animals, the ABQ BioPark team continually offers new education programs, garden shows and special events for the community. The Summer Nights and Zoo Music concert series continue to bring visitors to the Aquarium/Botanic Garden and Zoo for relaxing summer evenings. A full list of upcoming events can be viewed at www.abqbiopark.com/events.

According to the Tourism Association of New Mexico, the BioPark welcomes more guests than any other tourist attraction in the state.

The BioPark is an accessible facility and a division of the Cultural Services Department, City of Albuquerque, Richard J. Berry, Mayor. For more information, visit www.abqbiopark.com or call 311 locally or (505) 768-2000 (Relay NM or 711).

Caption: Chopper the rhino calf’s horn is starting to grow. Photo by Natalie Sommer/ABQ BioPark.