mayaguez zoo

Visited the first time and didn't know that the two exhibits that I was interested in were closed from 11:30-1:30.(Aviary and the butterfly exhibit). arrived at 11 and wasn't able to enter either. Other random complaints about the first visit was, no food available, animals seem bored, bathrooms locked, no one around to ask questions about the exhibits and closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Went back a second time, zoo opens at 8:30 but the two exhibits that I wanted to see didn't open until 9:30. Waited and entered both and was disappointed. The butterfly exhibit had 3 varieties of butterfly (common ones) and not many and the aviary had 8-10 large parrots and a group of small ones, some spoonbills, flamingos and a few other random birds. This exhibit was the best for viewing the large macaws up close. Too bad there isn't better management in place, the place could be fabulous. There are very large mature trees throughout the grounds, wonderful canopy which provides shade all day. They seem to be focused on trying to provide too many exhibits done poorly rather then a few that are done really well. Hopefully, the local population will see what a gem they have and demand a first class tropical animal park.

You think you are going to see animals in their habitats, healthy and happy. No way! I feel for those animals, they look under nourished. The hippo has a mini pool that barely covers his feet, imagine if he wants to sink in? I believe that maybe people should start visiting more and perhaps with the income, they can give better care to these animals. I really felt sorry for them. So sad.

We really enjoyed the little zoo in Puerto Rico. It is small but really entretaining. I read that there is shows within the zoo, but we didn't get to see any of them. There is no giraffe in the zoo at this time. My favorite animal was the elephant! The only down side to this cute little place is that there is no one to give information or let you know the special things that are going on at the zoo. I also wish that the animals' name were stated somewhere! The bathrooms could use better cleaning, the animals smelled better that the restrooms! Overall my hubby and I did enjoy the zoo, and on our next visit to Puerto Rico we will come back with the kids .. We look forward to hopefully experience improvement!

Very nice zoo in Puerto Rico. You can't compare it with other places but it's a nice visit. Nice variety of animals to see. I would recommend.

This is the only zoo in PR. A lot of effort has been put into its development and it shows. There is ample parking and lush vegetation.

We got there early and got to see the animals being fed. It was awesome! Not like other zoo's where they are all sleeping.

The zoo needs attention. There are no giraffes or gorillas. It has a great potential since it has beautiful fauna and flora. The butterfly area has very little butterflies. There are hardly any snakes..... oh and there is a lot of empty cages. They use to give you headphones that would give you information in spanish and in english and that is no longer available. The gift shop is good but it only had one snack area opened with limited availability of goods. Is a good visit with small children that will not noticed the bad maintenance and will enjoy running around and watching the other animals.

I was so sad! This place looks terrible. As does the animals! I think closing this place will benefit the animals. Go Away! Don't bring your kids! ...and careful with the stone thrower monkey!

The zoo in Mayaguez is an excellent choice to go with children. The cost of entry is accessible and also has good parking. I went with my daughter this year, on the 3 Magic King's day which was held there. This is the only large zoo in Puerto Rico. This has a great variety of species. We saw an elephant, tigers, sleepy lions, puma, chimpanzees, orangutans, rhinos, hippos, zebras, antelopes, giant turtles, small alligators, ostriches, parrots, peacocks, eagles, llamas and more. When I went before, there was a giraffe, but it died. The place is pretty big, so you have to walk a lot to see all the animals. The elephant is one of the main attractions. Its size is really impressive. It likes approach where people are. Many of the peacocks are not locked and walk among people. I think they should put more drinking fountain because it's hot there. They should also have more employees to talk to visitors about the animals. Some animals have large spaces for walking, but I think some cages are too small for some species such as lions. There are about 7 in one cage. They can make biggest cages because the zoo has enough unused space. Some animals are in poor condition, but not all. I was impressed by the tigers. They looked strong and were roaring. One of the two females was pregnant. There are an exhibition room of butterflies, but the two times I've gone was closed. Anyway, it's a great place to share with family.

Visited about a year ago. It was just too sad to see the animal in this condition. Not good again. Cant understand why they do not creat a better habitat.

We went on a weekday, Sept 18, 2014. The zoo opens Wed-Sun at 8:30 AM. Fee for Adults, ages 12-64 is $13 and Seniors, 65 and up, $6.50. Parking is $3. It was impressive. We saw lions, tigers, cougars, an elephant, bears, Vietnamese pigs, ostriches, peacocks, donkeys, llamas, monkeys, slothe, raccoons, caimans, bald eagle, among other wild life. They also have an aviary, butterfly house and arthropods. The grounds are well kept, with plenty of rest rooms and resting areas with refreshment machines nearby. They also have a gift shop. A must for children. I loved it.

Sadly the animals look like they want to hang themselves.Over priced for the poor keep of the zoo. ($13)I took my son and nephew when they were months old and it was in poor condition back then; took my nephews baby who's is 7 months old and the place hasn't improved a bit!!!DOESNT ANYONE CHECK INTO THESE THINGS!!!???Seems the employees just are there to say they work.It has potential if the right person comes along and takes care of the grounds and hire the right employees that are PASSIONATE and really care for animals and not just because you need able bodies, and they just need a job.I understand that running a zoo takes up a lot of money, but please have the animals benefit from the monies donated and given, not the administration, which seems to be the thing....Hope I can come back in a year or two and see that there has been positive changes to this place!Wouldn't spend my money here...

I was very disappointed at the conditions of the zoo and the animals. I saw very little personnel around. All of the snack areas where closed. For the price of $13 it's really not worth the visit. To top it off some areas like the aviary,the aquarium, where the Giraffes are located where closed for feeding. I saw 2 butterflies in the butterfly garden. Overall I was disappointed.

You need to understand that there is very little support or interest to the zoos in Puerto Rico, but this one somehow survives, and it is very good compared to any other place in Latin America. There is a good representation of African and Central American fauna, and it has space to grow. It desperately need help from the public, like the zoos in the United States or Europe, but unfortunately giving money to support the zoo is not part of the local culture.Do not miss Mundi the elephant - she is a smart one !And I heard on the grapevine that the lions just had little cubs!

Me and my fam whent to the zoo many years back and back then it whas beutyfull now its realy sad to see the conditions of the animals and living space the grass whas tall all the kiosk where closed and poor managed all the animal where sleeping and look they had heat problems places needs mist fans and moore three shade the goverment of Puerto Rico should invest more time and love for the animals.sorry visit and u will see the poor managed zoo now the only beutyfull place is the shop.