Mother's Day at the Zoo

Mother's Day at the Zoo | Sunday, May 12, 2024 | 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. | ABQ BioPark Zoo

Celebrate Mom with the variety of Zoo mothers and their little wild ones. All moms will be celebrated during this special day whether they have toes, paws, hooves or claws. Enjoy music around every corner with the family as you learn more about how the animals raise their young at the Zoo. Grab a yummy snack from one of the stands around the facility or have a picnic in the grass. Treat Mom like a queen! 

Tickets available now! 

Local Entertainment  

Guests can enjoy a variety of music all around the ABQ BioPark Zoo. Check out the entertainment schedule and locations and discover local talent around every corner.

Flamingo Gazebo
9 a.m. - NM Marimba (Latin)
11 a.m. - Lasotras (New Mexican)
1 p.m. - Alma Trio (Jazz)
3 p.m. - Flambeaux (Jazz)

Turquoise Trail
9:30 a.m. - Nueva Luna (Singer-Songwriter)
11:15 a.m. - North Valley Tune Tanglers (Swing)
12:30 p.m. - Watermelon Mountain Jug Band (Folk/Bluegrass)
2:30 p.m. - Levi Dean and the Mesa Rats (Americana/Folk)

Africa Marketplace
10 a.m. - Jaraneros De Valle (Folk)
12 p.m. - Coalesce Blue (Variety)
2 p.m. - Mariachi Xochitl (Mariachi)

Raptor Roost
10 a.m. - The Frank Leto Duo (Caribbean)
12 p.m. - Clark Andrew Libbey and Kristen Rad (Americana/Bluegrass)
2 p.m. - Dos Gatos (Latin/Blues)

The Lounge at the Bandshell
10 a.m. - Gilbert Uribe (Latin/Reggae)
12 p.m. - The Real Matt Jones (Alt-Country)
2 p.m. - Ryan Smith Cello Music (Variety)

Asia Field Camp
9:30 a.m. - Handpan Dan (Handpan)
11 a.m. - Acoustic Secret 7 Duo (Blues)
1 p.m. - Kyle Martin (Country/Rock)
2:30 p.m. - D'santi Nava (Flamenco Guitar)

Elephant Overlook
9:30 a.m. - Trio Carrillo (Mariachi)
11:30 a.m. - Nueva Luna (Singer-Songwriter)
1:15 p.m. - North Valley Tune Tanglers (Swing)
2:30 p.m. - Clark Andrew Libbey and Kristen Rad (Americana/Bluegrass)

Discovery Stations

BioPark volunteers will be set up throughout the Zoo with Discovery Stations; stop by and learn more about mothering strategies in the animal world and all about the babies at the Zoo!

*Discovery Stations are subject to change based on volunteer availability.

Western Lowland Gorilla Discovery Station at the Gorilla Habitat

Stop by the gorilla habitat to see mom Samantha care for baby Mashika. We soon will have another gorilla mom here at the BioPark! Nia Lewa is pregnant with her first baby, due this summer.

Chimpanzee Discovery Station at the Chimpanzee Habitat

How do chimpanzees care for their young? Come find out at the chimpanzee habitat. 

Western Grey Kangaroo Discovery Station in the Kangaroo/Emu Habitat in Africa

Did you know that kangaroo babies finish developing in their mother’s pouch? See if you can spot the newest member of the kangaroo mob: Hanna’s joey! Hanna’s joey can sometimes be seen hopping around the habitat.

Sumatran Orangutan Discovery Station at the Orangutan Habitat

Did you know that orangutans are pregnant for 9 months just like humans? Come see young Bulan hanging out with his mother Sarah and exploring their new habitat in Asia.

BioPark Connections

Get closer and learn more! BioPark educators and animal care staff will give you an insider’s look at how we care for animals, plants and our planet. Plan to be at the exhibits below at the listed times during Mother's Day at the Zoo.

11:30 a.m. - Penguins
1:15 p.m. - Asia Primates
1:15 p.m. - Rhinos
1:30 p.m. -Asia Carnivores
1:30 p.m. - Chimpanzees
2 p.m. - Elephants
2 p.m. - Hippos
2:30 p.m. - Lemurs

*Connections are subject to change based on staff availability.

Eats and Treats 

There will specialty items available at a variety of eateries and snack stations around the Zoo including Loaded Barbacoa Fries at Chill Cafe, Thai Tea and Matcha with boba in Asia Outpost, Street Tacos with choice of chicken or barbacoa at Turquoise Trail, Strawberry Dole Whip Sundae at Jungle Wheels, and Nashville Chicken Sandwich located at Cottonwood Café

Mother's Day Brunch Basket 

Get Mom an extra special gift while celebrating her at the Zoo. A special Mother's Day Brunch Basket will be offered for an additional cost. Available for pre-purchase only with pick-up day of event outside the Cottonwood Café (limited availability).

Purchase your Mother's Day Brunch Basket here!

Menu (Serves 2)

• Italian Sandwich: Pepperoni, salami, capicola cold cuts, provolone cheese, with an olive tamponade, tomato, and lettuce on a ciabatta.
  Served with green chile lime house made chips.
• Roasted Vegetable Sandwich (Vegetarian Option): Roasted Zucchini, red bell pepper, onion with sundried tomatoes and basil; with provolone & pesto spread on a ciabatta roll. Served with green chile lime house made chips.
• Premium charcuterie snack pack with a variety of meats, cheeses, dried fruits, and nuts.
• Assorted cheesecake bites. 
• Bottled water. 
• Canned beer or wine will be available to add-on for $9.95 each. 

The Lounge at the Bandshell

Toast to all mothers! Purchase a bloody mary or mimosa and enjoy live music on the Bandshell. 

Loaded Bloody Mary Bar

Build-your-own options include topping choices like meatballs, pearled onions, candied bacon, banana peppers, green olives, carrot sticks, assorted cheeses, roasted artichokes, celery, pretzels, shrimp, pepperoni, mini dill pickles, salami, lemon crowns, and more. 

$25.95 with souvenir cup. Refills by purchase only. 

Loaded Mimosa 

For a refreshing libation, mimosas will be available with multiple toppings and juice options, including strawberry, peach, pineapple, mango, watermelon and more! 

$19.95 with souvenir cup. Refills by purchase only. 

Kids' Activities 

Lions, tigers, and fun, oh my! Enjoy free face painting all day!

Planning Your Visit 

Get tickets ahead of time and beat the line. Members receive 50% discount on tickets with active membership. Valid member card and ID required at gate.

Grab a meal from the Cottonwood Café or treats from the variety of snack bars throughout the Zoo. 

Parking is limited. Please plan accordingly. 

Glass containers, alcohol, tents, canopies, and sports equipment are prohibited. Pets are not allowed at the ABQ BioPark. 

Smoking and vaping are not permitted on City Property. 

Thank you to our sponsors!

Let's Get Social!