Seventy-nine percent of local residents feel it is important for the BioPark to help visitors learn about the importance of the preservation of species, according to a 2007 survey. Attendance at the BioPark ranked 24th nationally in 2006.

INDICATORS

• 35.1 Albuquerque BioPark Attendance
• 35.2 Species of Animals at Albuquerque BioPark

  LOCAL TREND:

Awareness and appreciation of ecological diversity can be fostered through visits to the Albuquerque BioPark which includes the Rio Grande Zoo, the Albuquerque Aquarium, and the Rio Grande Botanic Garden. Attendance at the BioPark increased 6% over the last 4 years. The Rio Grande Zoo currently has 246 animal species and the Albuquerque Aquarium has 311 animal species, both increases over the last four years.

  NATIONAL/REGIONAL COMPARISON:

In comparing five peer communities, the Rio Grande Zoo is second in number of animal species. The Albuquerque BioPark has greater attendance than zoos in Colorado Springs, Tucson, Oklahoma City, and Salt Lake City. It is ranked 24th nationally. An attendance total for patrons visiting only the Rio Grande Zoo is unavailable. In contrast, many regional/national zoos attendance figures are for zoo patrons only, and may or may not include attendance figures for associated facilities such as aquariums or botanical gardens.

  CITIZEN PERCEPTION:

In 2007, this Desired Community Condition had a rating over 5 points on the 7-point scale, although it is ranked in the bottom fourth of all DCC’s in importance. Progress perceived by the community ranked in the middle of all DCC’s. Citizens with less than a high school diploma believe the progress to be significantly greater than those with a graduate degree.

Opportunity to Continue to Improve	LOCAL TREND IS:	Positive
	ALBUQUERQUE, COMPARED TO OTHERS, IS:	Better
	CITIZEN PERCEPTION COMPARED TO DATA:	Differs

NOTE: For help in understanding this page, see Creating a Community Report Card.