@TinoPup I liked the place quite a bit. Visited it twice, actually, in December of 2019 (I remember it very well since that was my last new zoo before the pandemic began, and I have not visited any zoos in 2020), and then again on my return visit to Mexico in December 2022. The zoo was not easy for me to get to on both occasions, given that I had no car and the zoo is located about 2 hours away from the resort I was staying at, so I wouldn't visit a second time if I did not have good memories of it
The main attraction to me was the mammal collection - only native species, many of which missing or rare from the US zoos and some entirely new to me. Margay, grison, collared peccary, and opossum (assuming Didelphis marsupialis, of which I am not sure) were lifers. Brocket deer I only saw at one other place (Xcaret, also in Mexico), and I believe that this species of brocket deer is not present in the US (I've seen a different species in a zoo in New Jersey). Jaguarundis I have last seen years ago (I remember when Smithsonian National Zoo and Philadelphia Zoo had them in early 2000s), but that was before I developed my photography hobby, and so I had no photos of them until my Vallazoo visit. Tayras are present in some US zoos (mostly roadside), but Vallazoo has by far the best and most photographer-friendly enclosure that I've seen, and so my first good photos of the species were taken there. And after 2019 they also added a young male howler monkey - I've seen the species before in the wild (and even photographed), but that was the first time I could see one in the zoo up close.
The zoo overall is quite nice. Nothing earth-shattering in terms of exhibit design, but no bad exhibits either. All enclosures appeared to be of decent sizes, with natural substrates, planting, etc., and animals appeared to be well cared for. The visitor paths and facilities were clean and seemed well-maintained. They also promote lodges for overnight stays, but I haven't tried that.
It's not easy for me to compare this zoo to other Mexican zoos, since I have only been to two other animal attractions in Mexico, none of them being a proper zoo. The first one is Xcaret, which I view as a Mexican version of SeaWorld Aquatica (or similar popular theme park). It is an immensely popular tourist attraction, heavily promoted in all main resorts, with pricey tickets, and plenty to offer to international visitors besides animal collection. There is an on-site resort, snorkeling, scuba diving, underground river swimming, dolphin interactive experiences, Mayan ruins, several great shows, restaurants, spas, etc. The mammal collection is much smaller, but jaguar and puma exhibit complex is fantastic (I haven't seen anything better in the US). The bird collection is wonderful and the aviary is one of the largest and best I've seen (in the same league with Miami Wings of Asia, for example), and there is also an aquarium and several marine exhibits (sea turtles, manatees). I have recently posted photos in the gallery. Vallazoo, of course, does not offer same level of exhibitry, and is a lower profile establishment overall, patronized mostly by the local people. However, the mammal collection especially is very strong (bird collection is much stronger in Xcaret, and unlike Xcaret Vallazoo does not have aquatic collection; interestingly enough neither place is big on reptiles). The third animal attraction in Mexico that I've been at is Crococun, a very small park with a focus on crocodilians and a very small collection of other native species. I've only visited that establishment only once. You could only visit as part as a guided tour. Their main attraction (not sure if they still do it) was letting visitors to enter the enclosure full of adult crocodiles, and walk on the path among the large reptiles. The tour guide carried a large stick, presumably for protection... Another highlight was a free-ranging troop of spider monkeys who were trained to come to the feeding stations when called. Interesting place, but I felt that one visit was enough.
@zoo_enthusiast Thank you for such a detailed reply! It's your photos of those mammal species that caught my eye; you are correct about the brocket, as well. My first trip to a place speaking a different language (Quebec) went well, so I'm starting to entertain the idea of going somewhere in Mexico and these species are definitely a big plus. I saw your Xcaret photos, the aviaries especially look wonderful. I've seen Tayra several times, the ones at a zoo near DC are pretty active, but never ones with such distinctive coat color.
@TinoPup I'm sure you'll love Mexico and it's animal collections. I don't speak Spanish myself, but it was never an issue. People are in general very friendly and pretty much everyone in the hospitality industry speaks English. The staff at the Vallazoo did not speak English much, but I was able to communicate with the help of Google translate Getting there was the hardest part, I ended up hiring a private driver.
By the way, I think I also saw those tayras near DC that you are referring to. Roers Zoofari, right? I wasn't able to photograph them at all due to caging. But I did photograph my first African civet there, which was very nice! By the way, do you know what happened to that place? It appears to be closed now, according to Google Maps, and will be replaced by something called NOVA Wild, which will open in February...
@zoo_enthusiast That's really helpful to know! I was able to get by in Quebec, when no one spoke English gestures were usually enough, and I had an app on my phone if I really needed it to try and translate things or look up individual words (like road signs and whatnot).
Yes, Roer's! I never got a photo of the adult civets, but did meet the young one. Wow, wtf, I had no idea? I'm on their e-mail list and check their socials frequently, I hadn't seen anything about this! I saw they were closed for the winter, which is new and unusual. And I still got the e-mail for my free cup of carrots for my birthday month, while they're closed, which was weird.
