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Albuquerque ’s Rio Grande Zoo was founded in 1927 when the entire zoo was “a small menagerie of animals and a couple of keepers.” The 64-acre Rio Grande Zoo now offers visitors close encounters with more than 250 species of exotic and native animals. At the Zoo you can see everything from big cats and gorillas to anaconda snakes. The BioPark offers two train rides: The Thunderbird Express Zoo Train loops through the Zoo and the Rio Line travels between the zoo and Aquarium/Botanic Garden with a stop at Tingley Beach. Tingley Beach features three fishing lakes and the train station with gift shop and food service. Visitors can rent pedal boats, bicycles, and model boats. There is a collection of New Mexico oak and alpine plants that provide an integration of the botanic garden with Tingley Beach. With its park-like atmosphere, Tingley is a wonderful place to spend an afternoon. Terry says, “When you have the welfare of living organisms as a top priority, you become aware of how truly interdependent living creatures are. It’s important to communicate that to our public.” Terry has received an interesting and unexpected education in biology and science which has assisted her in developing marketing materials and campaigns for the facilities. She has also been heavily involved in planning and promoting BioPark concerts and other special events for the past several years. Holly says, “The best sharks in New Mexico are here in Albuquerque and yes, we swim with them. Why not? We have to clean the tank, care for the animals, and it’s a great show for the public. Sharks eat fish, not people.” Holly says she hopes that “environmental education will help people stay curious and enjoy the process of learning, with the end result being that they appreciate their environment and care to give something back.” A program Holly wants to create is an evening lecture series on topics of marine (saltwater) or aquatic (fresh water) biology and conservation. Holly also looks forward to a major Aquarium expansion. Located across the plaza from the Albuquerque Aquarium and bordered on the west by the Rio Grande River and the largest cottonwood forest in the world, the lush and peaceful Rio Grande Botanic Garden is an oasis in the New Mexico desert. The Garden currently encompasses 36 developed acres, including a 10,000 square foot glass conservatory housing native and exotic plants from desert and Mediterranean climate zones and the seasonal (closed in the winter) PNM Butterfly Pavilion featuring hundreds of free-flying North American butterflies and moths. Summer Nights musical concerts are performed by local and regional talent from June through mid-August. Seasons change, but the gardens are always fascinating as they are complimented by various collections of world class art throughout the facility. At the Botanic Gardens you can see species of flowers from all over the world as well as learn about more drought tolerant (xeric) plants. Special events and floral displays take place in every season. The Heritage Farm features livestock and crops, and connects people to agriculture. The Annual River of Lights will be held from November 25th through December 30 th (except December 24 and 25th) at the Botanic Garden. The River of Lights was created as a fund-raising project in 1997 to support the Biological Park’s BioVan education outreach program and has been a tremendous success. Visitors to the botanic garden can enjoy the magic of hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights and dazzling displays at New Mexico’s largest walk-through light show. Each year there are new sculptures and displays. Visitors will be entertained by numerous choirs, and have the opportunity to participate in holiday craft programs, find a unique holiday gift, as well as dine at The Shark Reef Café. As Catherine states, “We set high standards for ourselves so that our visitors love it here. Horticulture at the zoo, Tingley Beach, our gardens, and even the parking lots provide visitors with an important experience that envelopes them as soon as they enter the BioPark. We have a strong environmental facility that is very progressive for our city, and we are grateful to the people of Albuquerque who have funded this and to the Mayor who supports it. Educational opportunities run throughout our facilities and our message is consistent—conservation is critical.” The BioPark is unique. It is an amazing experience and one you will not soon forget. The BioPark is not like any other zoo or gardens you have experienced. And the best part is that it belongs to Albuquerque.
Beth Donahue is a freelance journalist and can be reached at (505) 248-9700. |
A lot of talent and team work goes into the operation and development of the Bio Park. Much credit for the success of the BioPark should go to Director Ray Darnell who has directed the BioPark since 1981. Terry Axline, Holly Casman, Catherine Hubbard, and Deborah Hilyard, part of the management team (all BioPark employees are employees of the City of Albuquerque) feel that Ray’s vision is behind the growth and success of the Zoo and the BioPark. The enthusiastic team spirit sparkles throughout the facilities.
Terry J. Axline took a position with the BioPark 14 years ago, to work in research and writing. Now, as the Marketing Manager for the BioPark, she finds her work exciting as she promotes the facilities and creates a positive visitor experience. Terry is also part of the graphics team that designs and produces interpretive signage for the BioPark and enjoys educating guests regarding conservation issues.
Deborah Hilyard has been the principal planner for the BioPark for the past three and a half years and has recently taken on the additional job of construction manager. She finds her position a “great opportunity to work on extraordinary projects.” She states that animals are the real priority. Her first and biggest challenge was the construction of the African exhibit that encompasses six acres and 17 exhibits. Deborah worked on adding ten acres to the Botanic Garden when the Heritage Farm was created. Tingley Beach, with 30 acres of renovation, was also one of her projects. Deborah is now working on the Insectarium for the Botanic Gardens. She finds working on new exhibits that engage and educate the visitor to be an exciting challenge.
The Albuquerque Aquarium takes visitors on a journey down the Rio Grande from Albuquerque to the mouth of the Gulf of Mexico. Fresh water riverine, estuarine, surf zone, shallow waters, coral reefs, open ocean, and deep ocean species are represented along the way. Other highlights include an eel tunnel, seahorses, luminous jellies, and a 285,000 gallon ocean tank where sharks swim alongside brilliantly colored reef fish, sea turtles, and open ocean species. Fish swim over, under, and all around you at the Aquarium.
Holly Casman was the first woman diver in the shark tank at the New England Aquarium 28 years ago saying “I loved a sense of adventure and still do.” Holly, who is now the Albuquerque Aquarium Manager, works with architects, managers, and staff as she sets up protocols and creates ideas for expansion and new exhibits. She is excited about the Sustainable Seafood Festival that takes place in June on World Ocean Day, promoting the consumption of environmentally responsible seafood.
Catherine Hubbard has been with the BioPark for 21 years. As the Botanic Garden Manager, she speaks of the love of her job and all the plants and she is very proud of the gardens and special exhibits. The garden boasts a whimsical Children’s Fantasy Garden. Like Alice in Wonderland, a child can walk into a rabbit hole and as they proceed everything gets bigger while they feel smaller. Carrots, radishes, and a very large potato are all part of this charming display.