Africa Exhibit top

The greatly-anticipated Africa exhibit area at the Rio Grande Zoo is now open.

The new section of the zoo comprises six acres of land, 17 separate exhibits and 23 species of mammals and birds, including chimpanzees, warthogs, red river hogs, cheetahs, hippopotamus, DeBrazza's monkeys, spotted hyenas, African wild dogs, Marabou storks, Cape griffon vultures, lappet-faced vultures, wattled cranes, white-faced whistling ducks, Lady Ross's turacos and golden-breasted starlings.

Additional species will be exhibited as they are acquired and acclimated.

Gator Swamp top

The Gator Swamp exhibit is located in the ZooEd Kaleidoscope building. Inhabited by twenty-five very active juvenile American alligators, Gator Swamp simulates the steamy, lush habitat of a southern bayou. Plants displayed include riverine vegetation and many varieties of orchid.

Naked Mole Rat top

The Naked Mole Rat Exhibit is also located in the ZooEd building. This exhibit provides visitors with a penetrating view of the busy communal life and habits of these unusual burrowing animals. The species of mole rat exhibited is native to parts of eastern Africa.

The Thunderbird Express top

The Thunderbird Express, a three-quarter scale train sponsored by Sandia National Laboratories and Lockheed-Martin Corporation operates in a loop through the zoo from 10:00am to 4:00pm daily. After Labor Day the last train of the day runs at 3:30pm. Train tickets are $2 for adults and $1 for children and may be purchased at the Africa gift shop.

Tropical America top

Don't miss the new Frances V.R. Seebe Tropical America exhibit, a mixed species tropical immersion experience featuring jungle-like fog, toucans, spider monkeys, tamarins, orchids, tarantulas and colorful bromeliads.