Yumká, Nature reserve and zoological park in Villahermosa, Mexico.
Yumká is an ecological park in Villahermosa covering around 100 hectares of protected land with jungle, savanna, and lagoon habitats. The park displays diverse animal species in naturally designed areas, including an orchid house and a reptile house.
The park was founded in 1987 by the Mexican government as an ecological monument and recognized as a protected natural area in 1993. This official status reflected Mexico's commitment to preserving natural habitats in the region.
The name Yumká comes from the Maya language and refers to a forest spirit that protects animals in Chontal tradition. Visitors sense this indigenous connection to nature throughout the park, where ancestral meanings shape how people relate to the land.
The park can be explored by train rides, boat tours, and walking paths that connect different sections and make moving through the landscapes easier. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for tropical weather, as the park stays warm and humid year-round.
The park combines three completely different ecosystems—tropical forest, African savanna, and freshwater lagoons—that normally exist on separate continents. This unusual arrangement lets visitors explore multiple worlds in one place.
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