End of Year Thanks

Nov. 24, 2020 - Although this year came with challenges, the ABQ BioPark has so much to be thankful for. New babies, a new director and conservation milestones are just a few of the positive stories at the BioPark in 2020.

Zoo Babies

• Spotted hyenas Smilla and Dubu welcomed a pair of hyena cubs in April. The two were named Kijani and Pili.
• Kawi and Ryder welcomed seven wolf pups in May. This was the pair’s second litter.
• There’s an adorable new face in the klipspringer exhibit. Zeelie was born to Raisin and Pogo in October. This was their third calf.
• About two dozen baby turtles hatched in reptiles earlier this year including Krefft’s river turtles and snake-necked turtles. Both species are native to Australia.

New Faces at the Aquarium and Farm 

• The ABQ BioPark Aquarium announced a new male river otter named Dixon. He’s currently on exhibit with females Chaos and Mayhem.
• Six new female Navajo churro sheep arrived at the Heritage Farm this summer to join male K’os. 

New Exhibits at the Zoo and Aquarium

• The Zoo debuted its Birds of the Islands exhibit and a re-imagined raptor exhibit upon reopening this summer.
• The Aquarium has a new frogfish exhibit that we can’t wait for you to visit when we reopen.

Conservation Milestone

The ABQ BioPark Aquatic Conservation Facility marked 20 years of its participation in conservation efforts to help save the Rio Grande silvery minnow, an endangered species native to New Mexico. Staff released 34,000 fish into the river earlier this month.

Penguins Mating

Macaroni penguin pair Minnow and Jamison produced two eggs this November, an excellent sign that the ABQ BioPark’s penguins are acclimating to their environment. Learn more.

New director

The ABQ BioPark is proud to welcome Stephanie Stowell as its new director. Stephanie has been with the ABQ BioPark as associate director since 2019. Learn more about Stephanie.

Facility Improvements

The ABQ BioPark used its spring closure to make a variety of upgrades at the Zoo like pool renovations for animals, walkway improvements and beautification projects. We’ve also made progress on the expansions and renovations in Australia and Asia.

ABQ BioPark Volunteers and Staff Step Up for Others During Pandemic

• This spring, a group of 12 BioPark volunteers stepped up to help staff get the masks they needed. The group used their sewing skills to provide essential staff with nearly 400 face coverings!
• In May, the Botanic Garden stepped up for the community by donating more than 800 plants to local non-profits.