As of November 16 (2020), the zoo is closed by order of the governor due to the increase in Covid-19 cases. No reopening date has been set.
ABQ BioPark Zoo ABQ BioPark Zoo (aka Rio Grande Zoo / Albuquerque Zoo)
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Pair of Mexican gray wolves and their 7 young have been send to Mexico for a re-introduction-programm 
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New Mexico zoo sends endangered wolf pack to Mexico
:New Mexico zoo sends endangered wolf pack to Mexico
A male Malayan tiger has arrived:
BioPark Zoo gets new tiger in swap for his brother
In a bit of creative swapping, the ABQ BioPark Zoo relinquished one Malayan tiger in exchange for another — the animal’s brother.
The zoo transferred Malayan tiger Penari to the Bronx Zoo earlier this week, while Penari’s litter mate, Bunga (pronounced “Boon-ya”) arrived from the Dickerson Park Zoo in Missouri on the same day to take his place.
The Malayan tiger brothers were born in 2011 at the Palm Beach Zoo in West Palm Beach, Fla., and were moved to the Jacksonville Zoo in 2013. Panari came to the ABQ BioPark Zoo in February 2017.
BioPark Zoo gets new tiger in swap for his brother
In a bit of creative swapping, the ABQ BioPark Zoo relinquished one Malayan tiger in exchange for another — the animal’s brother.
The zoo transferred Malayan tiger Penari to the Bronx Zoo earlier this week, while Penari’s litter mate, Bunga (pronounced “Boon-ya”) arrived from the Dickerson Park Zoo in Missouri on the same day to take his place.
The Malayan tiger brothers were born in 2011 at the Palm Beach Zoo in West Palm Beach, Fla., and were moved to the Jacksonville Zoo in 2013. Panari came to the ABQ BioPark Zoo in February 2017.
Groundbreaking was held for the long-anticipated (and delayed) Asia expansion. The first phase will open as soon as this fall (2021) and is simply an observation deck (and event area) to allow better viewing of the Asian elephant exhibit. The second phase, which they hope to open a year later (fall 2022), will feature all new exhibits for siamang, orangutan, tiger, snow leopard, sea eagle.
Mayor Tim Keller and ABQ BioPark Break Ground on Asia Exhibit — City of Albuquerque (cabq.gov)
Asia Plans by ABQ BioPark (adobe.com)
Also, the zoo will remain open until 8pm on June 11 and 25 (2021).
Mayor Tim Keller and ABQ BioPark Break Ground on Asia Exhibit — City of Albuquerque (cabq.gov)
Asia Plans by ABQ BioPark (adobe.com)
Also, the zoo will remain open until 8pm on June 11 and 25 (2021).
It’s sad they dropped the plan for an aviary and Chinese alligator as well. The complex could surely use some smaller species to complement the crowd pleasers. But the plans look good. All those species deserve far better exhibits than they have right now and this fits the bill.
A Siamang has been born at ABQ Biopark Zoo. The zoo now have a family of four: New Siamang Baby at the ABQ BioPark Zoo — City of Albuquerque
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Karen, the 20 year old hippo, is pregnant and due to give birth soon!
ABQ BioPark Expecting a Baby Hippo — City of Albuquerque
ABQ BioPark Expecting a Baby Hippo — City of Albuquerque
Karen has given birth to a healthy calf (exactly a week after they annouced her pregnancy)! This is Karen's third calf with zoo's male Moe and the gender of they baby is still unknown.
They will also be having a Facebook Live later today with more details!
Karen Gives Birth — City of Albuquerque
Zooplantman
Well-Known Member
The zoo is advertising for construction bids for the new Australian exhibit. It is described thus:
"Our goal for this project is to create an authentic, immersive, Australian exhibit. Through this experience the viewer will ideally gain a deeper understanding and respect for Australian 'Country', by developing a storyline that incorporates the theme for the new Australia Exhibit that truly represents Australia. The overall Australia Exhibit site is approximately 2.7 acres. Scope will include demolition of existing structures, refurbishing three buildings, and constructing five new buildings and associated exhibit construction, sitework, and utilities."
Improvements made to ABQ BioPark, new exhibits slated for the zoo
"Our goal for this project is to create an authentic, immersive, Australian exhibit. Through this experience the viewer will ideally gain a deeper understanding and respect for Australian 'Country', by developing a storyline that incorporates the theme for the new Australia Exhibit that truly represents Australia. The overall Australia Exhibit site is approximately 2.7 acres. Scope will include demolition of existing structures, refurbishing three buildings, and constructing five new buildings and associated exhibit construction, sitework, and utilities."
Improvements made to ABQ BioPark, new exhibits slated for the zoo
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This rendering was posted on the construction fence at the zoo
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A digestive tract bacterial infection has not only resulted in the gorillas, siamang, and orangutans going off-display for treatment (which seems to be going mostly smoothly so far), but has also claimed the life of Brian the siamang.
Zoo's siamang felled by digestive tract infection
Zoo's siamang felled by digestive tract infection
Huerfanita, the 48 year old female gorilla, sadly passed away yesterday due to an infection caused by Shigella bacteria.
In happier news, the article also states that the baby siamang born back in June is male and has been named Rue.
The ABQ BioPark is deeply saddened by the passing of beloved gorilla Huerfanita — City of Albuquerque
In happier news, the article also states that the baby siamang born back in June is male and has been named Rue.
The ABQ BioPark is deeply saddened by the passing of beloved gorilla Huerfanita — City of Albuquerque
More bad news. Per the latest update posted today, Johore the female siamang and mother of Rue (born in June) has passed away. 2 chimps - 21-year-old female Rainey and 6-year-old male Desi - are showing symptoms similar to those of a Shigella infection and they're awaiting results from lab tests to confirm the cause of their symptoms.
Statement from the ABQ BioPark Concerning Apes — City of Albuquerque
Johore the Siamang Dies from Shigella Complications — City of Albuquerque
Statement from the ABQ BioPark Concerning Apes — City of Albuquerque
Johore the Siamang Dies from Shigella Complications — City of Albuquerque
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Siamang, Johore's two sons Eerie and baby Rue are also showing symptoms of Shigella. I really feel for them because this illness is clearly really, really bad and ripping through the apes with devastating results thus far. Thoughts are with the staff and really hoping they can get it under control before its too late for another animal.
3 apes die from bacterial infection at Albuquerque zoo
3 apes die from bacterial infection at Albuquerque zoo
Baby siamang Rue (who was born back in June) unfortunately passed away last night due to the same bacterial infection that killed both his parents. This is absolutely devastating news, the only member of the siamang family left is Rue’s big brother (who is also showing symptoms 
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Baby siamang Rue (who was born back in June) unfortunately passed away last night due to the same bacterial infection that killed both his parents. This is absolutely devastating news, the only member of the siamang family left is Rue’s big brother (who is also showing symptoms
The zoo's website states that Rue's big brother, Eerie, "recovered well" from his infection. They're working with the SSP to pair him with another siamang group until he reaches adulthood.
Siamang Rue Loses Fight Against Shigella — City of Albuquerque
This episode kind of killed off the siamang breeding group and seems to have taken a good Toll on other great apes .... unfortunately.
Karen’s baby girl hippo has been named… Matilda!
The first stage of the zoo's Asia development has been opened with the completion of the elephant overlook and event deck. Stage two will see new exhibits for orangutans, tigers, snow leopards and Steller’s sea eagles across 4.5 acres. All to be completed by fall 2022: Mayor Keller and ABQ BioPark Mark Completion of First Phase of Zoo's Asia Exhibit — City of Albuquerque
I am eagerly anticipating phase two and will likely head out there soon after opening to see the snow leopard and tiger exhibits.