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BioPark Photography & Videography Policies

Guests are welcome to take casual photos and videos for personal, non-commerical use during their visit to the ABQ BioPark. Portrait photographers and film crews are required to obtain a permit for photo or video shoots at the BioPark Facilities. 

Jump to Videography

Portrait Photography

The ABQ BioPark, consisting of the Aquarium, Botanic Garden, and Zoo, offers some of the most beautiful and unique locations in Albuquerque for portraits to be taken. The BioPark welcomes photographers whose work is appropriate to our mission. Please see below for information on the requirements for a photo permit and guidelines, including a fillable PDF of the ABQ BioPark Photo Permit Agreement available for download.

When is a Photo Permit required? 

A permit is required whenever the ABQ BioPark is being used as the setting or background for a planned portrait photography session. This requirement applies regardless of who is taking the photos, whether they are being paid, or what type of camera or equipment is being used.
A permit is required for planned or posed sessions including:
A permit is not required for ordinary snapshots taken by guests documenting their visit to the BioPark.

Photography Permit Options

Daily and annual permits include BioPark admission for one photographer. The Photo Assistant option includes admission for one additional assistant. All other models, clients, staff, and assistants must have their own admission ticket or valid BioPark membership.
Daily permits will not be issued after 4:30 pm. All photography must take place during regular BioPark hours, 9 am to 5 pm, and sessions must end when the BioPark closes. Photography and filming sessions are not permitted during special events.

How to obtain a Photo Permit

Photography permits may be purchased at the entrance ticket booth from a cashier when you arrive for your session.
  2. Purchase your Daily or Annual Photo Permit from the cashier

Photography Guidelines

To protect our animals, plants, facilities, and guests:
  • Photographers are responsible for the conduct of their assistants and clients and for any damage to BioPark property. Failure to follow these rules may result in the session being ended and the photographer and accompanying party being required to leave without a refund

Photo Policy and Agreement

Photographers must review and sign the ABQ BioPark Photo Permit Agreement when obtaining a permit.
For questions about photography permits, please contact ABQ BioPark Guest Services at (505) 248-8500 or e-mail [email protected].

Videography

The ABQ BioPark is first and foremost a conservation facility. We support the film industry in New Mexico and will make reasonable accommodations for requests to film on BioPark property; including the ABQ BioPark Aquarium, Botanic Garden, and Tingley Beach.

For the wellbeing of the animals in our care, we do not allow film production at the ABQ BioPark Zoo.

Any entity interested in filming at the ABQ BioPark should contact the Albuquerque Film Office (AFO) first. The AFO will learn about the scope of the project and notify the ABQ BioPark to schedule a visit with the location scout.

Videography Guidelines

In addition to the guidelines published in the City of Albuquerque Film, Television and Photography Guidelines, the ABQ BioPark has special considerations which will influence the kinds and scope of productions that may be filmed at the facility:

  • The ABQ BioPark is home to many endangered plants and animals and their wellbeing is our top priority. As a public facility, our secondary goal is to minimize any guest disruptions
  • The ABQ BioPark supports productions that align with our mission to foster meaningful connections between people and nature
  • Filming accommodations may not be made for productions with narratives that do not align or are antithetical with that mission
  • There may be limits to the kinds of plants and animals that may be brought on set
  • The ABQ BioPark can generally only accommodate filming Monday through Thursday, between the hours of 9 am and 4 pm
  • Guest parking is limited at our facilities. Depending upon the season and other anticipated events, we may not be able to accommodate basecamp requests for productions occurring on or near BioPark property

Required Permits

A permit is not required for ordinary videos recorded on a cell phone or DSLR by guests documenting their visit to the BioPark.

Each production is unique. The type of film production, equipment, and size of the crew will help determine the type of permit needed for videography at the BioPark. Find the option below that generally best describes your project. 

  • Student Project (grades K through 12)
    • Cast and crew of less than six: BioPark Photography Permit
    • Cast and crew of more than six: Contact ABQ Film office. (e-mail provided below)

ABQ Film Office contacts: Please email [email protected] or [email protected] with any additional questions on obtaining the correct permit from the Albuquerque Film Office.

This page presents policies to provide guests with guidance on coordinating photography and videography projects at the ABQ BioPark, effective 10-19-2026.

For more information, please call the ABQ BioPark at (505) 248-8500 or the ABQ Film Office at (505) 768-3289

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