Accessibility
We’re constantly looking for ways to make the BioPark Zoo, Botanic Garden and Aquarium more accessible and welcoming to everyone. We welcome your feedback to learn how we can make your next visit as naturally amazing as possible.
For questions or comments, please contact: 505-248-8500 or [email protected]
- Service Animals
- Mobility
- Parking
- Shuttle
- Zoo
- Botanic Garden
- Aquarium
- Stroller & Wheelchair Rentals
- Zoo
- Botanic Garden & Aquarium
- Refresh Areas & Quiet Zones
- Zoo
- Restrooms & Baby Care
- Zoo
- Botanic Garden
- Aquarium
- Admission for All (SNAP)
- Dietary Restrictions
- Language Services
- Sensory Resources & Guides
Service Animals
Service animals are permitted at the ABQ BioPark. Under the ADA, a service animal is defined as a dog or miniature horse that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. The task(s) performed by the animal must be directly related to the person’s disability. Guests who bring service animals must check-in at the entrance. Pets are not permitted.
Service animals are not permitted in certain areas of the Zoo. The animals in these areas are sensitive, and any other animal presents a danger of undue stress and/or injury.
For more information on these areas, see our Service Animal Map.
Mobility
Parking
Ample accessible parking spaces are available at the main entrance to the Zoo, Botanic Garden, and Aquarium, and near the Heritage Farm when that entrance is open for special events.
Shuttle
The electric shuttle is a transportation option during certain days, times, and seasons. Collapsible strollers are allowed. One wheelchair can be accommodated on each shuttle. Rental strollers, wheelchairs and EVCs are not allowed on the shuttle, but a voucher is provided to transfer your paid rental to the other BioPark facility.
Zoo
The Zoo consists of paved sidewalks for access to most areas. Walking the full Zoo is an approximate 1.5 mile walk outdoors. Penguin Chill, Reptiles, Life on a Limb, and the Cottonwood Cafe offer indoor spaces.
The grade and slopes in some of the older areas of the Zoo can be steep. Be prepared for the most challenging slopes near the Catwalk, Reptiles, and the entrances to Apewalk and Africa.
Botanic Garden
At the Botanic Garden, most paths are paved or compacted dirt and easily accessible for both strollers and wheelchairs. There are many meandering paths, and guests can expect to walk between 1 and 1.5 miles to see everything. The BUGarium, Desert Conservatory, and Mediterranean Conservatory provide indoor space.
Aquarium
The Aquarium is a short walk throughout an indoor space. An elevator is available to access the river otters’ underwater viewing. There is a wide, low-lit slope that leads to the underwater viewing areas of the Aquarium.
Strollers & Wheelchair Rental
Zoo
Jungle Wheels, near the entrance of the Zoo, rents strollers, Electric Convenience Vehicles (ECV’s), and wheelchairs for use on the Zoo grounds.
Botanic Garden & Aquarium
Strollers and wheelchairs are available for rent at the Botanic Garden gift shop.
Refresh Areas & Quiet Zones
These areas typically have less activity and provide space to sit and rest.
Zoo
- Dee’s Garden: Located near the zoo’s electric shuttle stop between the Life on a Limb amphibian habitat and the Colores Education center.
- Africa Amphitheater: This small stage is seasonally used for storytime events. Located in Africa near the chimpanzees.
Restrooms & Baby Care
Baby changing stations are located in all female restrooms. All male restrooms also have changing stations, except for Phoenix Plaza.
Zoo Locations
- Main entrance: Just past the ticket booths.
- Regular restroom
- Penguin Chill: Outside penguin chill near the Café Chill.
- Family / Unisex restroom
- Cottonwood Cafe: Across from the carousel.
- Regular restroom
- Baby lounge with seating bench and privacy curtain for a semi-private lactation area
- Asia: At the entrance to Asia.
- Family / Unisex restroom
- Phoenix Plaza: In The Americas, between Birds of the Islands and Raptor Roost.
- Regular restroom
- Baby changing station in female restroom only.
- Africa: Between Apewalk and lemurs.
- Regular restroom
- Dedicated baby changing room across from the Africa restrooms
Botanic Garden Locations
- Courtyard: Before ticket booth
- Regular restroom
- High Desert Rose Garden
- Regular restroom
Aquarium Locations
- Main Entrance: Just inside the building
- Regular restroom
Admission for All (SNAP)
Available to guests enrolled in New Mexico’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). To be eligible for the discount, guests must show their SNAP EBT card and a photo ID at the gate. [link]
Dietary Restrictions
There are numerous dining options across the ABQ BioPark. Menus for the primary restaurants are linked below and a dietary guide key can be found on the websites. If you have additional questions, please ask restaurant staff.
Zoo
Cottonwood Cafe Menu
Aquarium & Botanic Garden
Shark Reef Menu
Language Services
Our long-term goal is to transition all critical information signs across the BioPark to serve both English & Spanish speaking audiences. We started with species information signs at the ABQ BioPark. You can visit now and learn all about your favorite animals.
Additionally, this website is available in various languages. Click “translate” in the top right of the menu.