Parque Zoológico del Centenario — Attraction in Mérida

Most animals here were confiscated from private circuses and home zoos due to the nationwide prohibition in 2015. Even though the story is not the happiest, the animals here are in better conditions than before and their own health is under supervision of zoo keepers, zoo vets and animal biologists. There is a hard work behind those bars and hopefully they find a sanctuary with enough space or bigger facilities in other places. In the meantime, their life condition is the priority and they gained weight and are monitored all the time. Many people see a lot of species for the first time in their lives and maybe it would be the only time they could do that. The zoo requires a lot of resources for the number of animals they have, and some new baby animals are walking their first steps here. I do not know if they accept volunteers, but any kind of help shall be appreciated not for the money, not for the name, but for all the animals there. This planet is from every living creature which exists, so let's work together to help those cute eyes enjoying their existence. It is difficult to see both sides of the bars and it is easy to judge, but really, it is a big job to take care of them. Do not take me wrong, I appreciate any effort to make them feel and live better, and each of them has a previous story, for sure sadder than I can imagine, but now the pros are giving a hand to keep them healthier considering they have no other place to go so far, because natural habitats are not an option due to their previous learned habits. Maybe it could help if they have a real-life story explanation of every survivor living here. Culture and information will help the previous, current and new generations respect all the living creatures from an ant to a whale. I saw many animals I had not seen since many years ago. Let's keep on loving them, no matter what and thank the real dedicated professionals who also love animals for their essence and not for money. Consider this zoo is not charging any fee to enter, so the expenses are completely covered by donations and official monthly and annual budget. I feel life is full of catch-22s for loving, watching, thinking, thanking and wishing for the...

Amazing Free Zoo – A Fun and Family-Friendly Day Out!

We recently visited this zoo and had an absolutely wonderful experience. One of the best things about it is that admission is completely free, making it a fantastic option for families, students, or anyone looking for an affordable day of fun.

The zoo offers a wide variety of animals to see, from exotic species to local favorites. There are plenty of exhibits and enclosures that are well-maintained and engaging for visitors of all ages. Kids especially enjoyed seeing the animals up close, and there were plenty of opportunities for photos and learning.

In addition to the animals, the zoo features many food vendors offering a range of delicious snacks and meals, so you’ll never go hungry during your visit. Whether you're craving a quick bite or a sit-down meal, there's plenty of choice.

A standout feature is the free train ride that takes visitors around the zoo. It’s a great way to cover more ground and enjoy the scenery without getting too tired, especially for little ones or those who prefer a more relaxed experience.

The layout of the zoo is thoughtfully designed, with lots of shaded areas scattered throughout the grounds. This was a huge plus on a warm day, as it kept us comfortable and protected from the sun. There are also many benches and picnic spots if you want to take a break or enjoy a packed lunch.

Another important convenience is the abundance of free bathrooms, which made our visit much more comfortable and hassle-free. It’s always nice to see such thoughtful amenities provided for visitors.

Overall, this zoo exceeded our expectations. It’s a clean, well-organized, and family-friendly destination that offers a lot for free. We left with great memories and a desire to return soon. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a fun, educational, and...

This is such a nice zoo/park to come spend the day at. I've been to zoos all over Canada, U.S.A, and Spain. And I have to say I'm very impressed with this one moreso. The animals looked very well cared for, and they had a nice variety to look at. The only downside I'd say is that the tigers and jaguars need more space. They didn't look too happy, and big cats like that need bigger enclosures so they can run around more. I loved that the spider monkeys were swinging free in the trees, and the iguanas freely roamed about. It was nice to get close to the peacocks and see them in a huge area just hanging out. There was also a train ride for only 1 peso. This was a nice addition that I've never seen in a zoo before. The ride took you around the perimeter of the park. It was nice to see the animals from that point of view. You won't go hungry here either. There's many food/dessert vendors. It's hard to decide what to have as all of the food options look and smell good. I ate an empanizado from the Maya original ricas tortas. It was tasty and filling. If you have kids, there's lots to do that caters to them, including some amusement rides and vendors for candy and toys to buy. It's a great place in nature overall for adults, kids, and...