ZOO Guadalajara

Zoológico Guadalajara started operating in 1988 as a project to promote conservation and research. As the first true zoo of the city, and the largest in the state of Jalisco, the park has been enormously successful and is one of Guadalajara’s most popular tourist attractions.

The Guadalajara Zoo is noted for its diversity of species, especially birds. There are many species of mammals as well, including some endangered species from Mexico and elsewhere: Bengal tigers, jaguars, lions (including rare white lions), leopards (including black panthers), orangutans, gorillas, chimpanzees, African elephants, white rhinoceroses, three species of crocodiles (Nile crocodile, Morelet’s crocodile and American crocodile), Aldabra giant tortoises, giraffes, American bison, American black bears, red kangaroos, Komodo dragons, reticulated pythons, green anacondas, monocled cobras (including albine specimens), golden eagles, ostriches, cassowaries, and more.

Some species are important for conservation; for example, the zoo has bred the rare Mexican wolf, as well as the endangered Morelet’s crocodile.

The aquarium at the zoo recently opened a new jellyfish display and jellyfish culture lab, the first in this part of the world.