Wildlife West Nature Park

Wildlife West Nature Park, a wildlife preserve and "enhanced zoo," is located just minutes from Albuquerque, New Mexico in nearby Edgewood. Conveniently located near Interstate 40, Wildlife West Nature Park provides a very special look into the animals and plants that are part of the ecosystems of New Mexico and the Southwestern United States. All the birds and animals at Wildlife West Nature Park are nonreleasable, in keeping with our philosophy of bringing education to the public without harming ecological balances in other parts of the region. Our habitats are designed to provide the best possible combination of viewing opportunities and harmonious living for our residents, and our animal enrichment programs ensure that our animals are both physically and mentally healthy.

Wildlife West Nature Park provides a broad range of educational opportunities that reach far beyond traditional zoos, hosts numerous local events and festivals, presents concert series, and includes a catering operation with one of the area's best covered amphitheater facilities. Our xeriscaping and water harvesting operations provide a real-world example as to how sustainable design can enhance any environment. We invite you to browse our site and learn more about Wildlife West Nature Park - and, of course, to visit us at any time of year!

History

Wildlife West Nature Park began in 1992 as a not-for-profit all volunteer effort to create a new approach to combining habitat restoration, recreation, and environmental education for children and adults.  After 30,000 hours of volunteer labor by many people we opened in August of 1994 with a wetlands project functioning and several nature trails for bird watching.  Throughout the Park's history, we have added a major new habitat nearly every year, as well as the bean barn, amphitheater, gift shop, and Town of Venus for vending during major events. The Park has played host to a variety of entertainment events as well as those celebrating wildlife and the rich culture of New Mexico.

Facilities

From its humble beginnings as 122 acres of vacant land east of Albuquerque, the Park has grown into a major area attraction. In addition to approximately 30 wildlife exhibits connected by 2 miles of trails, the Park boasts a fully equipped, covered amphitheater (capable of dinner seating for 500 people or concert seating for 1,000), described by nationally renowned artists such as Syd Masters as one of the best outdoor venues in New Mexico. Indoor events, including concerts, craft fairs, trade shows, and other functions can be accommodated by our fully enclosed barn, with a large stage and spacious floor area. Our complex includes large lawn areas perfect for outdoor fairs, tractor and automobile shows, and demonstrations of all kinds. Dry camping for some events can be accommodated on a case-by-case basis.

Our habitat designs are based on state-of-the-art concepts that are used to provide the best possible viewing opportunities while incorporating the specific needs of our residents. Every species has specific requirements with respect to refuge, view (for example, some animals are uneasy if they cannot see the area surrounding their cages, while others are not), living "surfaces," and land cover. Using natural landscaping inside the habitats wherever possible requires more maintenance, but provides a superior environment for residents and visitors alike.