Cali Zoo

The zoo runs along both banks of the Cali river on the western edge of the city, with the water as part of the layout rather than a boundary. Its collection concentrates on Neotropical species - the animals of the Americas - rather than attempting a global sample, which is unusual and lets it do more with the space: Andean condor, spectacled bear, jaguar, tapir, harpy eagle, a walk-through butterfly enclosure and a large aviary. It runs conservation breeding and has reintroduced animals to the wild, working with Colombian authorities on confiscated wildlife from the illegal trade. It is regularly placed among the better zoos in Latin America. Enclosures have been rebuilt progressively and older ones remain smaller than current standards.

History

The zoo began with animals in narrow cages and basic care; since a foundation took over its management in 1981, with support from the city and its citizens, the cages have been replaced by larger exhibits grouped by species, with attention to diet, preventive medicine and medical records. Its 10 hectares along the Cali River now hold about 1,200 animals of some 180 species, and its work turned to research on and conservation of Colombia's wild species (Wikipedia, Cali Zoo).

What you'll find

• A Neotropical focus - the animals of the Americas rather than a global set.
• Andean condor, spectacled bear and jaguar - among the main species.
• Conservation breeding and reintroduction - with confiscated wildlife work.
• The river running through - part of the layout.

When to go

Year round; weekday mornings are calmest. Three hours.

Things to know

Weekends and school holidays are very busy. Some older enclosures are smaller than modern standards, though rebuilding is ongoing. Cali is hot in the afternoon. Keeping animals in captivity is contested and the zoo's conservation record is the argument it makes.

Nearby

San Antonio hill is east; the Cali river runs down into the city.

Key facts