ZooNew Mexico, US

Alameda Park Zoo

Alameda Park Zoo is the Southwest's oldest zoo, offering a captivating wildlife experience in Alamogordo.

About

Alameda Park Zoo is the Southwest's oldest zoo, offering a captivating wildlife experience in Alamogordo.

Nestled within the lush Alameda Park, this 12-acre zoo is home to nearly 170 animals representing 70 diverse species, making it a beloved local attraction and a significant conservation hub. Visitors can embark on an engaging journey through a mix of local and exotic wildlife, all while strolling along shaded pathways designed for easy navigation. The zoo's commitment to education and conservation shines through its various exhibits and programs, providing a unique opportunity to connect with the animal kingdom.

Key exhibits include the critically endangered Mexican gray wolf, a participant in the Species Survival Plan, and the fascinating White Sands pupfish, unique to the region. Don't miss the playful antics of the ring-tailed lemurs or the majestic presence of rescued birds of prey, such as Swainson's hawks. Recent additions like the Linnaeus's two-toed sloths and camels offer even more captivating viewing opportunities, while the Education Center introduces visitors to diverse reptiles, fish, and even a six-banded armadillo named Meatball.

Visiting Alameda Park Zoo offers a memorable blend of education, entertainment, and natural beauty. It's an ideal destination for families and wildlife enthusiasts alike, providing a peaceful retreat where guests can observe fascinating creatures, learn about conservation efforts, and enjoy a relaxing day amidst verdant surroundings. The zoo's long history and continuous dedication to animal welfare make it a truly special place worth exploring. Don't forget to bring the Snappit nature identification app along to scan local species.

The Alameda Park Zoo boasts a rich history, founded in 1898, making it one of the oldest zoos in the Southwestern United States. It was initially established by a railroad company as a deer park to entertain train passengers during their refueling stops. In its early days, the zoo's collection grew from exotic pets donated by local residents, including raccoons, skunks, and various birds. While the zoo experienced a period of decline in the 1970s, the city of Alamogordo made a commitment to upgrade and modernize its facilities, beginning in the 1980s. This dedication to improvement continues, with recent infrastructure upgrades in late 2025 and early 2026 focusing on electrical systems, IT, and enhancing habitats like the duck pond, ensuring the well-being of its animal residents and accessibility for visitors. The zoo is also notably the smallest to achieve accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), a testament to its high standards in animal care, education, and conservation.

What to do here

Observe a diverse range of animals, from large predators like the puma to smaller creatures in the Education Center such as snakes, lizards, and "Meatball" the armadillo. Enjoy a ride on the miniature train, which circles the park every 30 minutes, and take advantage of the shaded picnic areas. The Education Center offers engaging programs and reptile shows.

Seasonal info

Spring brings the annual Earth Day celebration, featuring butterfly releases and educational activities. Starting in March 2026, the zoo introduced "Late Night Adventure" sessions on Wednesday evenings, offering a unique opportunity to observe nocturnal animals under the moonlight. "Zoo Boo" in October provides a family-friendly Halloween event.

Accessibility

The zoo features sidewalks winding throughout, allowing for easy strolling between exhibits and making it accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. Certified service animals are permitted.

Plan your visit

Suggested duration: Most visitors spend 2 to 3 hours exploring the zoo at a leisurely pace. Families with children might want to allocate up to 4 hours to fully enjoy all exhibits, the playground, and the miniature train.
Best time to visit: The first half of the day is generally recommended when animals are most active and the weather is cooler, especially during warmer months.
Location: New Mexico, US
Species in this guide: 12

Best for

Families With Young Children:** With A Playground, Miniature Train, And Engaging Animals, It's Perfect For A Family Day Out.Wildlife And Conservation Enthusiasts: Home To Several Endangered Species And Participating In Species Survival Plans, It Offers Insights Into Conservation Efforts.Nature Photographers: Opportunities To Capture Unique Species Like The Mexican Gray Wolf, Lemurs, And Diverse Birds In A Natural Park Setting.Seniors: Compact Size, Shaded Paths, And A Peaceful Atmosphere Make It An Enjoyable Visit For Older Adults.

Official website Open in Maps

Don't miss

Don't miss the Mexican gray wolves, part of a crucial Species Survival Plan, and the unique White Sands pupfish. The Hawaiian geese (Nene), active ring-tailed lemurs, and the iconic African spurred tortoise, Buford, are also crowd-pleasers. Be sure to check out the Birds of Prey exhibit, featuring rescued raptors, and the recently added Linnaeus's two-toed sloths and camels. The butterfly garden is also a delightful seasonal attraction.

Wildlife you might spot

Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.

Rock Pigeon

Collared Dove

Snap map for this place

Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.

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Good to know before you go

Arrive early

Animals are often most active during the cooler morning hours, providing better viewing and photography opportunities.

Wear comfortable shoes

You'll be doing a fair amount of walking on paved paths to explore the 12-acre facility.

Utilize shaded areas

Alameda Park Zoo is integrated into a shaded park with picnic areas, perfect for a break, especially on warm days.

Check for special events

The zoo hosts events like Earth Day celebrations with butterfly releases and "Zoo Boo" for Halloween, which can enhance your visit.

Visit the Education Center

Discover reptiles, fish, and the six-banded armadillo, Meatball, and learn about the zoo's conservation efforts.

Take a ride on the miniature train

This small-scale model train offers a fun, relaxing way to see parts of the park, particularly popular with younger guests.

Frequently asked questions

: No, pets are not allowed inside Alameda Park Zoo. However, certified service animals as defined by the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) are permitted. Emotional support and companion animals are not considered service animals and may not enter the facility.
: The zoo is generally open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, though winter hours may vary. Starting March 2026, the zoo also offers "Late Night Adventure" sessions on Wednesday evenings until 9:00 PM. The best time to visit is in the morning when the animals are most active and the weather is cooler.
: Visitors can discover several unique species, including the critically endangered Mexican gray wolf, the Hawaiian goose (Nene), and the endemic White Sands pupfish. The zoo also features popular ring-tailed lemurs, an African spurred tortoise named Buford, and recently welcomed Linnaeus's two-toed sloths and camels.