Rio Grande Zoo

Shops, Restaurants and Other Services

There are several shops and restaurants at the Rio Grande Zoo. Other services include stroller rental, bicycle racks, wheelchairs and a lost and found. If you would like to visit just the gift shops, you can get a temporary pass for twenty minutes by leaving your driver's license at the Administrative Office.

Shops

Critter Outfitters and the Jungle Shop are located just inside the front entrance of the zoo. The gift shops carry film, books, souvenirs and unique stuffed animals. No personal food or lunches may be brought into buildings.

Services offered:

School groups may order gift grab bags to be picked up when they visit the garden.

Groups renting the garden may request the gift shop stay open during their event.

Unique Critter Outfitter birthday parties available on request.

Hours: Daily, from 9am to 5pm. Extended hours on Saturdays and Sundays during the summer to 6pm.

Phone: (505) 764-6218 for more information.

 

 

The Out of Africa gift shop is located in the Africa Exhibit. Train tickets for the Thunderbird Express Zoo train are sold there, as well as many beautiful African-inspired gifts.

Hours: Daily, from 9am to 5pm. Extended hours on Saturdays and Sundays during the summer to 6pm.

Phone: (505) 764-6230 for more information.

 

 

Restaurants

The Cottonwood Cafe is open year-round and offers an extensive menu with cafeteria-style service. It is centrally located near the duck pond and bandshell.

Hours: Daily, from 9am to 5pm. Extended hours on Saturdays and Sundays during the summer to 6pm.

Phone: (505) 764-6215.

 

 

 

The Matunda Cafe is open during the summer and is located in the Africa exhibit area across from the Out of Africa gift shop and train station.  The cafe has an outdoor seating area and serves soft drinks, sandwiches, hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, chips, candy and ice cream.

Hours: Daily, from 9am to 5pm. Extended hours on Saturdays and Sundays during the summer to 6pm.

 

 

The Phoenix Plaza Snackbar, near the Raptor Roost exhibit, is open during the summer and sells soft drinks, pretzels, popcorn, hot dogs, frito pie, nachos, ice cream, slushies, candy and bag chips. Restrooms, outdoor seating and a public telephone are available nearby.

Hours: Daily from 10am - 3:00pm

 

 

 

Other Services

Wagons and Strollers

Carry-all wagons and two-seater strollers are available at the Gazebo Plaza just inside the entrance. Wagons are $5, two-seater wagons are $7

Bicycle Racks
Located near the entrance.

Pets

Pets are not permitted on ground. A limited number of kennels are available at the Administrative Offices of the Aquarium/Garden.

Service Animals
Certified service animals are permitted in the public areas of all Biological Park facilities.

Wheelchairs

The Shark Reef Cafe has a very limited number of wheelchairs for visitors' use, first-come, first-served. To ensure your comfort while visiting, we strongly recommend that you bring your own wheelchair transportation. You will be asked to leave your drivers' license. Wheelchairs cannot be reserved.

Persons with Disabilities
Wheelchairs are available on request but limited in number. To ensure your comfort while visiting, we strongly recommend that you bring your own wheelchair transportation. If you have a disability and require special assistance when you visit the Rio Grande Botanic Garden, please call 311 or (505) 768-2000 (NM Voice/Relay or 711), preferably three days before your visit.

Lost and Found
Inquire at the Security Office located in the main plaza next to the Administration Office for items that are lost and found.

Parking
Parking is ample and free.