La Aurora Zoo, Zoo in Zone 13, Guatemala City, Guatemala.
La Aurora Zoo is a zoological park in Zone 13 of Guatemala City, home to animals from Africa, Asia, and the Americas spread across approximately 27 acres (11 hectares). The enclosures and facilities are grouped by continent, with paths leading through areas for big cats, primates, birds, and reptiles.
The park opened in 1924 under President José María Orellana, making it the first zoo in Central America. Over the following decades, the facility gradually expanded and shifted its focus toward conservation and breeding programs for threatened species starting in the 1990s.
The zoo functions as an educational center where Guatemalan students learn about wildlife conservation through guided tours and interactive programs.
Wheelchairs are available for rent at the entrance, and the main paths are wide enough for comfortable access to most enclosures. Lockers, food stands, and parking spaces are provided, allowing families to spend several hours on-site.
The grounds sit directly next to La Aurora International Airport, so visitors sometimes spot planes taking off above the enclosures. Part of the park is dedicated to breeding programs for the Motagua Valley beaded lizard and the horned guan, two native species that have become rare in the wild.
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