Alameda Park Zoo

When traveling through the Southern States, you cannot miss the Alameda Park Zoo — a unique destination with a rich history, founded back in 1898. Located in the picturesque city of Alamogordo, this facility is officially recognized as the oldest zoo west of the Mississippi. It occupies a cozy territory of about 13 acres (5.3 hectares), offering guests a chance to discover the amazing world of fauna in the heart of the USA.

It is home to about 265 animals representing 90 different species. Among them, you can find truly rare inhabitants, such as the Mexican gray wolf, the Hawaiian goose (nene) — the rarest goose in the world — and the unique White Sands pupfish, which is found only in this region. A walk through the zoo is not just about viewing enclosures, but an immersion into the Southwest ecosystem.

The zoo is harmoniously integrated into the urban park space, where excellent conditions have been created for family vacations. In addition to exotic animals such as ring-tailed lemurs and mountain lions, you can see bald eagles and other birds of prey rescued after injuries. Thanks to its compactness and abundance of greenery, the park attracts tens of thousands of tourists annually who wish to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and learn more about species conservation.

For more details before your visit or when planning a group tour, you can use the following contact information:

The main reason to visit the zoo is to observe its amazing residents. Be sure to visit the ring-tailed lemur enclosure, where their activity always brings a smile, and stop by the birds of prey exhibit to see majestic eagles and hawks. Don't forget to say hello to the local celebrity — an African spurred tortoise named Buford — and watch the graceful Mexican gray wolves.

For curious visitors, there is an educational center. It hosts engaging programs such as the Eco-Ranger Junior Zookeeper, where children can feel like real zookeepers. In the springtime, especially on Earth Day, the park is transformed: the butterfly garden hosts festive releases of tropical beauties, which is a spectacular sight.

If you get hungry, shaded picnic areas are at your service in the adjacent Alameda Park. Younger guests are particularly delighted by the miniature train — the world's smallest working scale model, which circles the park every 30 minutes. It's a great way to end your walk with a short journey along the tracks, enjoying views of the duck ponds.

Finding this green oasis is very easy: it is located at 1021 N White Sands Blvd, right in the heart of the city, at the intersection with 10th Street. If you are traveling by car from the city center, simply head north on White Sands Blvd — the zoo is impossible to miss. Convenient free parking is provided for visitors near the entrance.

If your trip includes a visit to the famous White Sands National Park, the drive to the zoo will only take about 20–25 minutes (approximately 23 km). From Alamogordo-White Sands Regional Airport (ALM), located 15 km away, you can reach the zoo by car or taxi in about 20 minutes. This is the most convenient way to get around, as public transport in the city is limited.

For those who prefer walking or cycling, getting to Alameda Park is straightforward from neighboring areas or nearby attractions like the Tularosa Basin Historical Society Museum. If you do not have a private vehicle, it is recommended to use local taxi services or rent a car for comfortable travel between sites.

The history of this site began back in 1898, making it one of the oldest zoos in the entire American Southwest. Interestingly, it was originally established by a railroad company not as a scientific center, but as a way to entertain train passengers who were waiting while locomotives were refilled with water and fuel.

The first inhabitants of the zoo were animals brought by the townspeople themselves: raccoons, skunks, and local birds. In those days, the enclosures were very simple, consisting of basic chain-link fencing. However, over time, the approach to animal welfare changed. In the 1970s and 1980s, city authorities carried out a major reconstruction, replacing old cages with modern and safe exhibits that meet international standards.

A significant milestone in the park's history was its participation in the recovery program for the Mexican gray wolf. In the 1990s, several litters of these rare predators were successfully born here, helping to restore their population in the wild. Today, the zoo is a point of pride for Alamogordo, welcoming about 60,000 guests annually and remaining an important educational and conservation center.

To see all the inhabitants at a leisurely pace, visit the educational center, and stroll along the park's shaded paths, most visitors need 2 to 3 hours. This is plenty of time to get to know the rare species and take some memorable photos.

For families with children, we recommend allowing about 4 hours for the visit. Children often spend more time at the enclosures with the active lemurs or in the butterfly garden, and the picnic areas in Alameda Park are perfect for a small outdoor snack under the shade of the trees.

Alameda Park Zoo welcomes guests daily. You can plan your visit for any day of the week, as the complex is open from morning until evening with no days off.

Opening hours: Monday to Sunday — from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Please note that it is best to arrive in the first half of the day when the animals are most active and the summer heat has not yet reached its peak.

A visit to the zoo can easily be combined with exploring other interesting places in the city. A stroll through the surrounding area will allow you to better experience the atmosphere of New Mexico and get to know its rich history and culture.