Albuquerque Biological Park

The Albuquerque Aquarium, part of the Albuquerque Biological Park, offers exhibits of saltwater species from the Gulf of Mexico. One of the main attractions is a 285,000 gallon shark tank with a 38-foot-wide, 9-foot-high, 8-inch-thick acrylic viewing window. Other highlights include "Jellies: Aliens from the Sea", featuring moon jellies and Atlantic sea nettles, and the Moray Eel Tunnel, and "Oddities of the Sea" with seahorses, pipefishes, a frogfish, and more.

On a more local level, check out the Rio Grande at Central Bridge Exhibit, showcasing aquatic life of the Rio Grande in Albuquerque a century ago and contrasted with a second tank featuring present day fish of the same area. This is an eye opening exhibit highlighting the loss of species that has occurred in this area over the last hundred years.

The Rio Grande Botanic Garden is laid out over 36 acres, on the banks of the Rio Grande. On display are plants from arid climates, including the American Southwest, Mediterranean climate zones of Spain, Portugal, Turkey, South Africa, Australia, and Chile. The Butterfly Pavilion, Children's Fantasy Garden, Sasebo Japanese Garden, and the Rio Grande Heritage Farm are some of the highlights.

The Heritage Farm is a re-created 1930s style farm, complete with an adobe house, and farm inspired gardens. It offers a chance to see and experience a tiny piece of farm life. Occasionally demonstrations and activities are offered at the farm site. The Japanese Garden is a lovely area with water features, bridges, and sculptures. Also, the walled gardens introduce different types of gardens, including the Spanish-Moorish Garden and the Jardin Redondo with a large variety of roses.

The Rio Grande Zoo exhibits over 900 animals representing more than 200 species. Some of the highlights include elephants, polar bears, koalas, Mexican wolves, lions, jaguars, giraffes, rhinoceros, African antelopes, red river hogs, guenon monkeys, zebras, chimpanzees, wart hogs, hippos, and spotted hyenas. For some interaction with the animals check with the zoo to find out when feeding times occur. Visitors can watch, or in some cases, such as with the giraffes, participate in feeding the animals.

The zoo also sometimes features entertainment. On Fridays during the summer months guests can enjoy the Zoo Music Concert Series, with live musicians performing everything from jazz to rock and folk music at the zoo. Also watch for other annual events held at the zoo throughout the year.