Enjoy More Adult-Only Twilight Tours and Night Walks This Summer at ABQ BioPark
Have you joined us yet for our enchanting Twilight Tours and Night Walks? These guided, educational tours at ABQ BioPark explore the world of nature after dark—a world of wonder and where there’s more than meets the eye.
We’re also excited to announce that this year, due to popular demand, we have made many of our summer tour dates exclusively for adults 18 and over!
While humans tend to wind down with the setting of the sun, for many plant and animal species, including several residing at ABQ BioPark, the transition from light to night is a time of peak activity and energy.
During the Twilight Tours at the Zoo, for example, you’ll find that many of our big cats like the tigers, jaguar, and snow leopard appear more invigorated, as well as other low light-loving animals like our resident Mexican grey wolves. You may even hear them howl at some point during the tour!
The cooler temperatures also pique the interest of animals you might not normally associate with the dark, such as giraffes who like to beat the heat during dusk and dawn.
At the Botanic Garden, the shift in character from day to night is perhaps even more evident.
“I think the garden just comes to life. It’s so different from the daytime to the night time of what you get to experience,” said BioPark Science Education Coordinator Cesar Bustillos.
Bustillos said at dusk, there is increased moth, beetle, and other nighttime pollinator activity and wild skunks and porcupines have even been spotted grazing throughout the garden. Bats are also known to make an appearance as they take to the evening skies to feast on small bugs.
It’s not just the sights though that make these tours special, but also the sounds and smells.
“With the increase in humidity coming from the river as the sun goes down, the smells of the flowers become stronger,” said Bustillos.
Plus, the quieter environment with less people offers a serene, relaxing experience. During which, guests can hear the sounds of the water features and animals more clearly.
The Botanic Garden is also home to a variety of night-blooming plants you can see during the Night Walk. Several cacti species and other plants bloom throughout the dark hours to conserve water and attract nocturnal pollinators.
Finally, for those who may be overwhelmed by bustling crowds and hot temperatures, the Twilight Tours and Night Walks offer the perfect setting to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. You’ll leave with not only newfound appreciation of the night and the species that inhabit it, but also new knowledge as our volunteer-led tours will discuss everything from the animals and their natural history, to the botany of the plants and flowers in the garden.
Experience the magic for yourself! We have upcoming Zoo Twilight Tour and Botanic Garden Night Walks dates scheduled throughout the summer.
Tickets sell fast, so we recommend purchasing yours ahead of time to ensure you don’t miss out on the awe of the Zoo and Botanic Garden after dark. We look forward to seeing you there!