Guide to the ABQ BIOPARK

Albuquerque Zoo

The ABQ BioPark Zoo is located on 64 acres next to the Rio Grande and offers guests close encounters with over 250 exotic and native animals from around the world.

From lions and elephants, to kangaroos and cobras, the Albuquerque Zoo offers a naturally amazing experience with their educational exhibits. Visitors learn more about wildlife conservation efforts while showing animals in naturalistic habitats. Visitors are able to see Sub-Antarctic penguins right here in the high desert at the Penguin Chill Exhibit.

Albuquerque AQUARIUM

Featuring marine habitats of the Rio Grande and Gulf of Mexico, with coral reefs, stingrays, jellyfish and a 285,000-gallon shark tank. 

Among the Albuquerque Aquarium's many interesting, colorful, immersive exhibits, is the popular river otters experience. The two female river otters, Chaos and Mayhem, and male river otter Dixon, exhibit distinct personalities and share a close bond. Visitors will often catch them tumbling around on the land and in the water, and cuddling up together during nap time. 

In addition to exhibits and displays, the Aquarium offers hands-on experiences and activities including the Aquarium Theatre, divers in the water, story time and much more.

ABQ BioPark BOTANIC GARDEN

Explore more than 1.5 miles of paths through both formal and whimsical gardens designed to delight. This lush state-of-the-art conservatory showcases Desert and Mediterranean climate zones, a Children's Fantasy Garden, Railroad Garden, BUGarium, Sasebo Japanese Garden and seasonal Butterfly Pavilion. This popular, immersive butterfly exhibit features 40 species of native butterflies and moths, as well as other important pollinators like non-stinging native bees and fig beetles.

The Travel Channel called the ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden as one of the top 12 in the country!

TINGLEY BEACH

Enjoy fishing, boating, picnics and hiking just minutes from downtown Albuquerque near the Rio Grande. 

Located adjacent to the Rio Grande Bosque, Tingley Beach consists of three fishing ponds that are open to the public, free of charge.

Tingley Beach also offers wildlife watching and paths for running and walking..  

Tickets and Visitor Info

Tickets can be purchased in advance online here. Combo tickets are available that includes transportation between the zoo and the aquarium/botanic garden.

• Adults - $10 (New Mexico Residents), $14.50 (Non-Residents)
• Seniors (65+) - $5.50 (New Mexico Residents), $7.50 (Non-Residents)
• Youth (3-12) - $5 (New Mexico Residents), $6 (Non-Residents)
• Children (2 and under) and Members - Free

Members of certain institutions may be eligible for half-price admission. These institutions also offer discounts to New Mexico BioPark Society members; however because participation in this program is voluntary, it is recommended that members contact the institution prior to visiting.

It takes four to five hours to see all exhibits at the zoo, with a total walking distance of just over 2 miles. It takes between two and three hours to walk through the 1.5 miles of the aquarium and botanic garden.

Parking is free at all ABQ BioPark facilities.

Events at the ABQ BioPark

Summer Concerts

Enjoy the sounds of summer at Zoo Music and Garden Music. On certain nights in the summer, the zoo and botanic garden come alive with live music. Spend the evening relaxing with nature.

River of Lights

Get in the holiday spirit with more than 700 unique light displays, sculptures and twinkling lights decorating the ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden. It's a holiday light show you won't want to miss.