A foolproof guide to Zoos in and around CDMX

Living in such a big city, it’s normal that we can’t see as much wildlife as many of us would love to…. but all is not lost! There is more than one and here we tell you the infallible guide to Zoos in CDMX.

The love for animals is a taste that never goes out of style, and regardless of age, the fascination for the different living beings that inhabit planet earth is something that many of us have in common.

And it is important to mention that the main objectives of these spaces are recreation, education, research and conservation. Some are involved with various conservation projects, especially in the captive breeding of endangered Mexican native species and also species from other parts of the world.

Without further ado, here is a guide to the zoos in CDMX that you can visit, and if you have time for a little getaway, the ones that are close by.

Zoos in CDMX

1. Chapultepec Zoo

This enclosure of the list of places with animals preserves and cares for different species of animals, being one of the largest in Mexico, after the Guadalajara Zoo, and the oldest in the country.

It was inaugurated by Mexican biologist Alfonso Luis Herrera with a collection of 243 animals. Today it is the most visited zoo in Mexico, with more than 5 million visitors a year.

Today it has a population of 1930 animals of 250 different species, in addition to a Herpetarium and a Mariposario, which has more than 40 tropical species of butterflies native to Mexico.

There are 116 species of birds, 40 species of reptiles, 93 species of mammals, 40 species of reptiles and 1 species of amphibian. Can you guess which one is the amphibian? That’s right! The salamander.

The Zoo occupies 17 hectares of the First Section of the Chapultepec Forest, and has 7 areas with special climatic and plant conditions to recreate the desert, grasslands, coastal strip, tundra, an aviary, temperate forest and tropical forest.

⏰: Open from Tuesday to Thursday from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm

🎟️: Free tickets

Calz. Chivatito s/n, Bosque de Chapultepec I Secc, Miguel Hidalgo

2. San Juan de Aragon Zoo

This zoo was inaugurated on November 20, 1964; its architectural conception of “Radial Design” with semicircular exhibits, allowed the observation of the animal from any point where the visitor was located.

The San Juan de Aragón Zoo conserves approximately 709 specimens of 135 different species of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians, of which the jaguar, the Mexican wolf and the volcano rabbit stand out as endangered species.

⏰: Open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m

🎟️: Free tickets

Av. José Loreto Fabela S/N, Zoológico de San Juan de Aragón, Gustavo A. Madero

3. Los Coyotes Zoo

This is considered a multimodal zoo, with a space for the protection of species and an environment for sports and family and social activities.

This site maintains only wildlife species considered native or endemic to the Valley of Mexico Basin.

⏰: Open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m

🎟️: Free tickets

Av. H. Escuela Naval Militar S/N, Coapa, Ex-Ejido de San Pablo Tepetlapa, Coyoacán

Zoos near CDMX

4. Zacango Ecological Park

The famous Zacango Ecological Park, or better known as Zacango Zoo, had closed temporarily. However, this Thursday, September 14, it will reopen its doors at 12:00 noon.

You will be able to visit the remodeled facilities and enjoy new species such as grizzly bears, bighorn sheep and kangaroos.

Among the new spots are 2 lakes, an outdoor theater, a playground and many more activities.

5. Bioparque Estrella Mexico

Bioparque Estrella claims to be the largest safari theme park in Mexico, and offers an exclusive Suite of attractions and services in its 300 hectares located in the State of Mexico.

Here you can live with more than 500 free-ranging animals such as elephants, giraffes, lions, tigers, zebras, camels, hippopotamuses and different species of primates.

The best thing is You can enjoy 23 other attractions, including the Jurassic River, an adventure to meet dinosaurs.

⏰: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m

🎟️: General admission tickets are $300 MXN per person

Ixtlahuaca – Jilotepec Highway Km 38.5, El Puerto, 54350 Chapa de Mota

6. Africam Safari

Africam Safari is undoubtedly one of the main attractions in the state of Puebla, and is located just 2.5 hours from Mexico City.

This 200-hectare site is a conservation, education and research center where 2,000 animals of 250 different species live.

A different space from the list of places with animals, since here they are not caged, and it is mostly traveled by car, very safari style. You will be able to observe the animals in areas very similar to their original habitats.

⏰: Open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m

🎟️: General admission tickets are $350 MXN per person

Rt. to the Oasis 17302-22, Blvd. Capitán Carlos Camacho Espíritu Km 16.5, Oasis, Puebla

7. Puebla Parrot Park Zoo

In this space you will be able to meet more than 400 animals of 96 different species It is only 2 hours from Mexico City.

It is home to endangered species, and originally opened its doors in 1991 to care for horses. However, it has now been adapted to care for more species, including 50 endangered ones.

⏰: Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m

🎟️: General admission tickets of $135 MXN per person

Benito Juárez 33, Cuayantla, San Bernardino Tlaxcalancingo, 72821 Tlaxcalancingo, Pue.

8. Zoofari Conservation Center

Just 40 minutes from Cuernavaca, you will find this conservation center better known as Zoofari Morelos.

Here they are dedicated to caring for the animals that inhabit the space, and with each visit you contribute to the protection and reproduction of species such as zebras, lions, tigers, toucans, giraffes, eagles and more.

⏰: Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m

🎟️: General admission ticket of $275 MXN per person

Federal Highway, Cuernavaca – Taxco Km. 55, 62652 Teacalco, Gro