Zoológico de Quito, Zoological park in Guayllabamba, Ecuador

The Zoológico de Quito is a wildlife facility located in Guayllabamba that spreads across dry forest terrain with many species native to Ecuador. The grounds contain various zones designed to show different animal groups in settings that reflect their natural habitats.

The facility opened in 1997 as a conservation and research space for native species from the start. Over time, it became a center for preservation programs and educational work focused on the country's wildlife.

The zoo works to show visitors the animals that live in Ecuador and help them understand why these species matter to the region. Walking through the grounds, you see how the facility connects local communities to their natural heritage.

A weekday visit works best if you prefer fewer crowds and more time to watch the animals closely. The grounds are walkable at your own pace, and tree cover provides shade during the warmest hours of the day.

The name Wiwa Quito, adopted in June 2026, comes from the Kichwa word wiwa, meaning "animal", and refers to the Andean view of interdependence between people, animals, plants, mountains and water. The park's first new habitat, the Refugio de la Quebrada, covers more than 3,000 square metres and shelters three rescued spectacled bear cubs, among them the well-known Sisa.