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A Trip to the Puerto Vallarta Zoo

by Miriam Castro |

More than 100 species of birds, mammals and reptiles, are located throughout the simple structures at the foot of the mountains that make up the Puerto Vallarta Zoo that has received between 2,500 and 3,000 visitors a week since September 15 2005.

A walk through the zoo is one of the most touching experiences that one can do as a family. The Puerto Vallarta Zoo, located scarcely 35 minutes from Downtown, not only offers visitors the opportunity to get very close to nature and its inhabitants, but it also offers the opportunity to interact with the animals.

Located in Mismaloya, the Zoo boasts more than 100 animal species including the mammals, reptiles and birds that are found throughout the five hectare area located in a simple structure at the foot of the mountain. According to their development plan, by the year 2018 they hope to occupy 59 more hectares, for a total of 64. Included in this development plan is an aquarium, a cable car, an amusement park, rental cabins, and to develop a system of walking paths, others for cycling and extreme sports, and even another area for practicing rappelling.

Throughout your stroll, you will find many species of the region like: the black agouti, Coati, Coyote, Jaguar, Raccoon, Ferret, Puma, Tepezcuintle and Scarlet Macaws, as well as some. from other places of the world like: the African Lion, Leopard, Llamas, Camels, Zebras, Bengal Tigers, Black Howler Squirrel, Sitka Deer and the Black Bear; some of which are in danger of extinction.

Begun in 1998 and opened on September 15, 2005, the zoo offers its visitors the opportunity to have direct contact with the animals, when hand-feeding some of the species like the zebras, monkeys, flamingos, camels, goats, donkeys, macaw parrots, black bears and many more. At the entrance of the park, you can purchase an appetizing lunch kit for the animals ($50 pesos); highly recommended, since as you proceed along the way, your hand will reach into the bag of food on repeated occasions to take out carrots, or peanuts or grains that will encourage the small animals to come closer to eat their share. I suggest when you buy the animal lunch bag, to ask the vendor, which treat is appropriate for each species; this way, you and your children will be able to feed the animals the right way.

If you would like a guided visit, just request it from administration. It is best if you prearrange this so that a guide can be assigned to you who will provide you with detailed information about the flora and fauna of the region throughout the walk. It is also important to check out the restaurant where there is a bird show every weekend, starting from 10:00am; in the one that the whole family can be photographed with the birds or perhaps with one of the boa constrictors found at the zoo. Ah, and only for low season, you will also be able see the babies that have just been born in the zoo: two African lion cubs, three Bengal Tiger cubs and a jaguar; a species that, by the way, is in danger of extinction. The prices of the pictures are $50 and $100 pesos depending on the size you choose (small and large).

Since the Zoo receives no Government support of any type. The Vallarta Zoo has created a program called "Adopt an Animal" which consists of becoming godfather to the animal of your choice and deposit the amount referred to on their website at: (www.zoologicodevallarta.com) on a monthly basis. The contributions are made through this program and are dedicated to the general care of the animal and you will receive an adoption certificate, a postal size photograph of your adopted animal and a monthly report on its state of health; besides the satisfaction of contributing to the conservation of these species.

And because, my dear reader, it is almost certain that you will find some deficiencies in the structure of the animals' cages of the general condition of the park, to give this journey with you sin them of the house it will be excessively comforting and believe me, you will enjoy it so much or more than them.

Vallarta Zoo
Road to al Edén 700, Mismaloya
Mon-Sun, 10:00am-7:00pm
Adults: $60 pesos
Children $30 pesos
Tel. (322) 228-0501, (322) 228-0955 & (322) 228-0957
www.zoologicodevallarta.com

RECOMMENDATIONS:
- Wear comfortable shoes
- Don't forget sun block and insect repellent, a cap or hat
- Tries to take enough water for the journey
- Video and Still Cameras are permitted
- If your budget allows, buy a food bag for the animals ($50) and ask which item is for which species
- Do not throw garbage into or near the animal cages

PRICES FORGUIDED VISITS (Prices in pesos)*:
1 hour / 1 Person $150
1 Hour / 2 People $80
1 Hour / 3 People $60
1 Hour / Up to 5 People $50
1 Hour / Up to 10 people $40

* Price is per person and includes: The guide's services, 1 food bag for animals per person, interaction with animals. If it is required that your guide speak English or another language, please make your reservation at least 48 hours in advance.

HOW TO GET THERE?
- Automobile: Take highway 200 in the direction of Barra de Navidad. Past Los Arcos, to Hotel Barceló, turn left at the speed bump off the highway, then stay to the right and to continue along the river for 800mts and you will arrive at the Vallarta Zoo.

- Public transportation: Take the truck route indicating "Mismaloya", which you will find at the intersection of Basilio Badillo and Insurgentes. Get off at the entrance to the beach of Mismaloya (outside the parking lot of the Hotel Barceló). Cross the highway, follow the road on the right until you arrive at the zoo.

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