Wildlife West Nature Park photo
ZooNew Mexico, US

Wildlife West Nature Park

Wildlife West Nature Park is a unique 122-acre haven in Edgewood, New Mexico, dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of native wildlife that cannot be re-released into the wild.

About

Wildlife West Nature Park is a unique 122-acre haven in Edgewood, New Mexico, dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of native wildlife that cannot be re-released into the wild. Located just 20 minutes east of Albuquerque, this enhanced zoo provides a rare opportunity to observe species indigenous to the Southwestern United States in naturalistic habitats designed to mimic their wild environments. It's more than just a zoo; it's a living classroom focused on conservation and education, where each animal has a story of survival and a permanent home.Visitors can embark on a captivating journey through the park, encountering a diverse array of animals such as majestic cougars, elusive gray foxes, playful black bears, and a variety of birds of prey along the Birds of Prey Trail. The park emphasizes close-up viewing and educational exhibits that detail each animal's individual story and species information. For families, the Kids Imagination Trail offers interactive play structures and opportunities for children to engage with nature in a hands-on way, touching wildlife antlers and other natural objects.Beyond the animal encounters, Wildlife West Nature Park hosts a vibrant calendar of events, including popular summer Chuckwagon BBQ and Western Music shows, where guests can enjoy a traditional barbecue dinner, wildlife presentations, and live bluegrass music. The park's commitment to community and youth empowerment is evident in its unique history, having been built almost entirely by young participants gaining valuable life and construction skills. It’s a rewarding visit for anyone seeking to connect with New Mexico’s wild heart, learn about local ecosystems, and support a meaningful cause. Planning to visit? Download the Snappit app to identify the wildlife you spot in real-time.

Wildlife West Nature Park was founded in 1992 by Roger Alink, a former high school teacher with a deep passion for wildlife and youth development. Alink envisioned a place where non-releasable native New Mexico animals could find a permanent home while simultaneously providing educational opportunities and empowering young people. He purchased a vacant plot of land and, remarkably, the 122-acre park was largely constructed by youth participants from the Youth Conservation Corps. This unique approach provided invaluable skills in construction, animal care, and public relations to hundreds of underserved youth. What began as a dream to address "nature deficit disorder" has grown into a successful wildlife refuge and visitor center, showcasing a labor of love and community spirit.

What to do here

Wander the trails and observe native New Mexican wildlife, including wolves, elk, bobcats, javelina, and foxes. Attend seasonal free-flight raptor demonstrations (June through August) by world-renowned falconers. Enjoy annual festivals such as the Kite Festival, Wildlife Festival, and the Harvest & Fiber Festival. The Wild West Frontier Festival and Pirate & Viking Summer Festival are also hosted here. Learn about the animals' rescue stories and the importance of conservation through informative plaques and discussions with volunteers.

Seasonal info

Summer brings longer hours, daily raptor shows, and Chuckwagon dinners. Fall features the Harvest Festival. Winter has shorter operating hours. Always check the official website for current events and schedules.

Accessibility

While the park features walking trails within natural habitats, specific details on paved trails for wheelchairs are not extensively mentioned. It's recommended to contact the park directly for detailed accessibility information.

Don't miss

1

Birds of Prey Trail

Encounter magnificent raptors like Great Horned Owls (Bert and Ernie) and Turkey Vultures (Festus).

2

Mountain Lion Habitat

Observe cougars True and Zia, often seen on their impressive wooden cat tree, offering great photo opportunities.

3

Black Bear Exhibit

See rescued black bears like Maggie and Koshari in their spacious enclosures.

4

Kids Imagination Trail

An interactive playground designed for younger visitors to explore and play.

Wildlife you might spot

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

Snap map for this place

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Good to know before you go

Check Event Schedules

Wear Comfortable Shoes

Bring a Camera

Stay Hydrated

Engage with Volunteers

Visit the Kids Imagination Trail

Frequently asked questions

Wildlife West Nature Park is home to over 20 species of native New Mexican wildlife that are non-releasable rescues. You can see animals such as cougars, black bears, wolves, elk, bobcats, foxes, javelina, deer, porcupines, pronghorn, and various birds of prey like great horned owls and turkey vultures.
Yes, all the animals housed at Wildlife West Nature Park are species native to New Mexico and the Southwestern United States. They are all rescued animals that, due to trauma or other circumstances, cannot survive independently in the wild.
Absolutely! The park hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including popular summer Chuckwagon BBQ and Western Music shows, free-flight raptor demonstrations, and annual festivals like the Kite Festival, Wildlife Festival, Harvest & Fiber Festival, and Wild West Frontier Festival.

Recent snaps at this place

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