ABQ BioPark 2025 Year in Review

From a brand new Mexican Wolf Conservation Facility to the grand opening of Lebanon & Beyond at the Botanic Garden, 2025 has been one for the books! Join us in reflecting upon the BioPark’s biggest milestones and most memorable moments from the past year.

Progress on GRT-funded projects

We’ve made some major progress on projects funded by the ⅛ cent gross receipts tax (GRT) approved by Albuquerque voters in 2016. Your support means amazing new animal habitats, inviting new guest amenities, and the infrastructure to provide state-of-the-art care for plants and animals!

Heritage Farm

To start, we saw through the completion of the large-scale renovation and remodel of the Heritage Farm at the Botanic Garden! After two years of construction, the farm officially reopened in April with newfound charm and a more purposeful and environmentally-conscious experience. 

_{The new Highland cattle, featuring Brora in the foreground, graze in a field surrounded by greenery at Heritage Farm.}

Some of the additions we’re most excited about:

• New animal residents, including three Highland cattle, two miniature donkeys, three Nigerian dwarf goats, and a flock of chickens with four new additional breeds!
• Upgraded care facilities with expanded pastures and enhanced enrichment features.
• Expanded crop gardens and new perennial beds.
• A Nature Engagement area, including a mud play pit.
• A new outdoor education space for children, paved sidewalks, and more parking spaces.

New Alligator Snapping Turtle Habitat

In July, construction was completed on a new habitat that’s more spacious and enriching for longtime BioPark resident Wilson the alligator snapping turtle! 

Highlights include:

• A pool with double the volume with different ledges and depths. 
• A more accessible heat and UV basking spot with a dig area outside the pool.
• An upgraded life support system was also upgraded to help keep her water clean and clear. 

Guests will also notice a new painted mural in her habitat, as well as new signage and twinkling lights representing fireflies outside her habitat. These upgrades transport guests to the Southeastern U.S. swamp where alligator snapping turtles are found in the wild. 

Mexican Wolf Conservation Facility 

GRT funds also made possible our recently-completed Mexican Wolf Conservation Facility. This expansive, behind-the-scenes facility is dedicated to supporting the recovery of Mexican gray wolves, one of the most endangered mammals in North America. Currently, there are only about 150 remaining in the wild. 

_{A Mexican Grey Wolf is released into the BioPark's Mexican Wolf Conservation Facility.}

 This specialized space will support the broader species recovery program by:

• Providing more expansive, natural recovery areas for wolves that are treated for injuries or illness.
• Expanding the BioPark’s participation in wolf fostering efforts, coordinated by USFWS, to place pups born in human care into wild litters that bolster wild packs.
• Contributing to breeding programs that increase genetic diversity, advancing the AZA Saving Animals From Extinction (SAFE) program and the Mexican gray wolf Species Survival Plan.

Mexican wolves naturally occur in New Mexico, making this location one of the most important hubs for breeding and rehabilitative care. In late December, we were thrilled to welcome the first  nine wolves to the facility, marking a hopeful next chapter for this iconic Southwest species. 

In addition, the BioPark vet team treated seven wild Mexican wolves with medical needs this year, who were then released back into the wild by our partners at U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Now that’s something to howl about! 

New at the Zoo

Reptile building upgrades

In addition to Wilson’s habitat upgrade, a new shade structure was built at the entrance of the Reptile Building and several habitats received mini makeovers. 

Bonnie the American alligator also got a new buddy. In July, we welcomed Captain Crunch—a new male alligator! A few new species were introduced as well this year, including a timber rattlesnake, Atlantic Central American milksnake, and a rough-scaled plated lizard.

New avian art  

This summer, we were honored to have two local artists transform the walls of Raptor Roost and nearby areas at the Zoo into beautiful, bold murals that showcase the wonders of New Mexico’s bird population, and the challenges they face from climate change and habitat loss. 

_{A portion of a mural features a broadtail hummingbird and western tanger along with words to encourage reflection.} 

The murals, created by local artists Donny Kelley-Currens and Jade Cruz, feature birds in a variety of habitats found throughout New Mexico and with plants and other animals associated with the birds. 

The eye-catching art was made possible through a collaboration between The National Audubon Society, The Bird Alliance of Central New Mexico, and the City of Albuquerque. This is the first Audubon Mural Project installation in New Mexico, and the only site currently in the southwest!

New zoo residents

The BioPark welcomed many new faces to the family in 2025! Maisy the new hippo calf, who now weighs over 200 pounds, sure made a splash! Since her birth on October 14, she has captured the hearts of guests and staff alike. In fact, we received over 46,400 votes from the public in November to help us decide on her name—the cutest election of 2025! 

We were also thrilled to welcome some new residents who transferred here from other zoos, such as Hodari the juvenile Southern white rhino and Polaris the lar gibbon!

_{Polaris the new lar gibbon, who arrived in August, is pictured in his habitat. He lives alongside a female gibbon, Siena, who he's good friends with.} 

And we had quite the bird boom here at the Zoo in 2025, welcoming:

• A rescued golden eagle who made his debut at Raptor Roost in mid-December 
• A gentoo penguin chick hatched at Penguin Chill in November 
• A male cape vulture chick named Ozzy 
• Flamingo chicks
• Marabou stork named Amelia 
• Two hardhead ducklings from Australian Shores  
• Two colorful coconut lorikeets at Australia’s Lorikeet Experience  
• And more! 

Aquarium Advancements 

Over 44,000 silvery minnow released

The BioPark’s Aquatic Conservation Facility (ACF) is making waves in local conservation! In collaboration with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, ACF staff released over 44,000 silvery minnows into the Rio Grande this fall. 

The BioPark has been part of the recovery program for the endangered silvery minnow since 2000. Each spring, staff collect eggs from the Rio Grande to raise at the ACF. Come fall, the minnows are released into the river in mass if conditions permit. 

Take a peek into the October 2025 release in this video!

Tadpole Springs

In October, initial construction was completed on Tadpole Springs—an interactive fountain at the BioPark Aquarium where children can cool off and play! While it was open briefly in 2025, we look forward to welcoming guests back in the spring and summer. 

_{Arches of water shoot out around the cattail-inspired poles at Tadpole Springs with the Aquarium building in the background.}

New species 

This year we welcomed six new spiny lobsters to the Inside the Wreck habitat! Five bamboo sharks that were previously behind-the-scenes also made their way to the Shallows & Shores habitat temporarily until the new touchpool that’s under construction is complete. New juvenile lined seahorses also debuted recently in the Pacific Coral Reef. As you make your way to the large ocean habitat, prepare for cuteness as a few baby stingrays born this year can also be seen coasting along the floor of the habitat! 

Big Year for Botanic Garden 

Lebanon & Beyond

We were thrilled to open Lebanon & Beyond at the Botanic Garden in early October! This highly-anticipated new area of the Garden highlights the cultural and ecological connections between the Mediterranean and the American Southwest and features a range of Lebanese architectural elements.

_{Visitors mingle with one another among potted plants by a stone archway at the new Lebanon & Beyond garden.}

 This immersive addition to the Garden was made possible by the generous support of Robert and Monika Ghattas, longtime Albuquerque business owners and community leaders, with supporting funds from the New Mexico BioPark Society.

Planning for Children's Fantasy Garden renovation 

Over the summer, we began collecting public input for a major GRT-funded renovation of the Children’s Fantasy Garden at the Botanic Garden! We especially sought input from children through a variety of interactive engagement activities. The space will be thoughtfully reimagined to improve accessibility, update aging infrastructure, and expand opportunities for creativity and learning. Stay tuned for further developments in 2026! 

Building a Welcoming Community 

Certified Autism Center

In February, the BioPark was named a Certified Autism Center! This achievement recognizes the BioPark’s efforts to create inclusive and accessible experiences for all guests, such as specialized training for staff and creating more events tailored to guests with sensory sensitivities. This designation is the first of its kind for any of Albuquerque’s cultural facilities, and we look forward to building upon it in 2026! 

First Indigenous Peoples Day celebration 

On October 13, the BioPark hosted its first-ever Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration! Guests enjoyed traditional dance performances by Next Generation Dancers, Discovery Stations that showcased the cultural significance of some animals found at the Zoo, and much more!  

_{Next Generation Dancers, pictured at the Zoo, performed traditional dances during the BioPark's first Indigenous Peoples Day celebration in October.} 

The BioPark Education team is proud to bring our guests many Discovery Day events throughout the year, all included with regular admission! Check out the events tab on our website regularly to see what's coming up next.

First Blooming with Pride night 

In June, we hosted our first-ever Pride celebration for adults at the Botanic Garden with a sensory-friendly twist. The event was a resounding success and was enjoyed by many seeking an evening of quiet beauty and connection surrounded by the natural serenity of the garden. 

Record Attendance

Fast forward to the end of the year, we saw record-breaking attendance of over 72,670 guests throughout all BioPark facilities in November! This is a 32% increase at the Aquarium/Garden from last year and an amazing 73% increase at the Zoo compared to 2024. We appreciate everyone who came out to enjoy the wonderful fall weather, explore exciting new exhibits, and experience the changes made possible by GRT-funded funds!

GRT projects: What’s coming up in 2026 

Completion of Catwalk construction 

Construction is almost complete on renovations to the Catwalk, which will create new “flex” habitats where cats and carnivores experience dynamic spaces with enriching opportunities. We’re also super excited to announce that the cheetahs will be moving into this area as well, receiving a huge habitat upgrade in the process! Plus, we’ll have some new animal residents moving into this space that we can’t wait to introduce you to!

_{The three cheetah brothers at the Zoo will move into a new, upgraded habitat at Catwalk once completed!}

Groundbreaking of Australia phase 2 

Beginning in early 2026, construction will begin on the second phase of the Zoo’s Australia expansion! Walk with wallabies and kangaroos in the new outback or watch as Tasmanian devils and wombats explore expansive new “flex” habitats. The stories of Australia’s aboriginal people will be told through vivid murals and displays of artifacts.

Renovated BUGarium & Butterfly Pavilion 

Since its opening in 2016, the BUGarium has been a treasured area of the Botanic Garden and we’re excited to announce after almost 10 years of arthropod amazingness, it will be receiving a revamp!

The renovations, which began in early December, will elevate the aesthetic of the building and expand habitats for the goliath beetles, stick insects, and naked mole rats, among others. It will also boost efficiency for animal care, improve habitat flexibility, and more. 

The beloved Butterfly Pavilion at the Botanic Garden will also be getting some rejuvenating renovations and a new viewing and hatching room for butterfly chrysalises.

We look forward to welcoming you back to these refreshed and upgraded facilities in 2026!

S.H.A.R.C completion 

Construction on the Science, Health and Aquatic Research Center (S.H.A.R.C) ensued throughout 2025 and is scheduled for completion in the coming months! Here, young fish will grow up, sick animals will be nursed back to health, rare corals will be raised, and more.

New habitats for gorillas

The gorillas are next in line for a home makeover! The plan is for the new habitat to have more vertical structures for climbing as well as water features, special enrichment zones, expansive views for the apes, and more! Construction on this exciting project is expected to start as early as 2026.