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Noel Kempff Mercado Zoo
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The Noel Kempff Mercado Zoo in Santa Cruz de la Sierra is Bolivia's most prominent zoological garden and one of South America's most important institutions for the conservation of native fauna. It is named after the pioneering Bolivian naturalist Noel Kempff Mercado, who dedicated his life to environmental protection and was tragically assassinated during an expedition in 1986. The zoo focuses almost exclusively on species indigenous to Bolivia and the neighboring regions of the Chaco, Amazon, and Chiquitania. Spanning a large urban area, the facility allows visitors to observe rare animals such as the Andean spectacled bear, the jaguar, the giant anteater, and an impressive variety of tropical birds. Beyond public exhibition, the zoo plays a central role in scientific research and captive breeding programs for endangered species. The enclosures are designed to replicate Bolivia's diverse natural ecosystems, making the zoo a vital educational resource for the local population. It serves as a crucial green lung within the rapidly expanding metropolis of Santa Cruz.
- Location: Bolivia
- Top sights: Zoológico Municipal de Fauna Sudamericana Noel Kempff Mercado · Búho Blanco taller galería · La Florida
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 26 | 26 | 25 | 24 | 22 | 21 | 21 | 23 | 26 | 27 | 27 | 27 |
| Rain mm | 169 | 150 | 115 | 92 | 85 | 70 | 38 | 40 | 48 | 84 | 112 | 136 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Noel Kempff Mercado Zoo in Santa Cruz is a sprawling zoo focusing on South American fauna. All enclosures are accessible on foot and feature animals from the region.
Typical hours
The zoo is typically open Tuesday to Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm. It is usually closed on Mondays, holidays may vary.
Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the zoo, without flash in animal houses. Native animals like giant otters and tapirs offer unique photo opportunities.
Time needed
Allow two to three hours for a visit. If you want to linger, you can spend up to half a day at the zoo.
Combine with
Combine the zoo with the nearby Santa Cruz Botanical Garden or El Arenal Park. The Jesuit Missions of Chiquitos are also worth a day trip.
Getting there
The zoo is located in the Equipetrol district of Santa Cruz, about 15 minutes by car from the center. It is well reached by bus or taxi, parking is available.
Insider tip
Visit the zoo on weekdays as weekends are often busy. Bring plenty of water as Santa Cruz can get very hot.
Geography
Facts
- The zoo was founded in 1979 by the naturalist Noel Kempff Mercado.
- It houses approximately 150 different South American animal species.
- The facility covers an area of about 6 hectares in the center of Santa Cruz.
- The zoo is renowned for its successful jaguar captive breeding program.
- The founder, Noel Kempff Mercado, was murdered by drug traffickers in 1986.
- The institution manages a significant conservation project for macaw parrots.
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Notable places around
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Sights in the town Noel Kempff Mercado Zoo (13)
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Frequently asked questions
Where is Zoo Noel Kempff Mercado located?
It is located in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, on the third ring road.
What are the typical opening hours?
The zoo is typically open daily from 09:00 to 17:00.
What animals can be seen here?
The focus is on South American fauna, including jaguars and toucans.
Is the zoo family-friendly?
Yes, it is a popular destination for families with educational programs.
Is there parking available on-site?
Yes, there are parking spaces available near the main entrance.
Noel Kempff Mercado Zoo: where is it located?
Noel Kempff Mercado Zoo is located in Bolivia.
Noel Kempff Mercado Zoo: what is there to see?
Highlights include Zoológico Municipal de Fauna Sudamericana Noel Kempff Mercado, Búho Blanco taller galería, La Florida.
Noel Kempff Mercado Zoo: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Noel Kempff Mercado Zoo: why is it worth visiting?
The Noel Kempff Mercado Zoo in Santa Cruz de la Sierra is Bolivia's most prominent zoological garden and one of South America's most important institutions for the conservation of native fauna.
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History & landmarks
Catedral de San Lorenzo
The main church of Santa Cruz de la Sierra impresses with its striking brick facade and wooden interiors.
Plaza 24 de Septiembre
The lively main square of Santa Cruz de la Sierra, a tropical hub full of palm trees, relaxed locals, and historical buildings.
Misión Jesuítica de San Javier
The first of the famous Jesuit missions in the Chiquitania, known for its beautiful wood carving and musical tradition.
Misión Jesuítica de Concepción
One of the best-restored Jesuit missions in Bolivia, showcasing the masterful craftsmanship of the native Chiquitano people.
Nature
Salar de Uyuni
Salar de Uyuni is the world's largest salt flat and harbors a large portion of the world's lithium reserves.
Laguna Colorada
Laguna Colorada is a shallow, red salt lake in southwestern Bolivia and a vital habitat for James's flamingos.
Laguna Verde
Laguna Verde is a strikingly turquoise salt lake at the foot of the Licancabur volcano in southwestern Bolivia.
Laguna Blanca
Laguna Blanca is a whitish salt lake separated from the neighboring Laguna Verde by only a narrow corridor.
More places
Biocentro Güembé
A lush eco-park near Santa Cruz known for having one of the world's largest butterfly domes.
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Santa Cruz Sugarcane Fields
Vast estates in the eastern lowlands cultivate sugarcane, a vital crop driving the regional agro-industry.
Santa Cruz Soy Fields
The fertile lowlands around Santa Cruz are the agricultural powerhouse of Bolivia, dominated by vast mechanized soy fields.
El Fuerte de Samaipata
A massive sandstone rock where pre-Inca and Inca cultures carved detailed religious and astronomical figures.
San Javier Jesuit Mission
The oldest of the Jesuit Missions of the Chiquitos, known for its beautiful wooden church and rich musical tradition.
San Miguelito Jaguar Ranch
A working cattle ranch pioneering conservation by protecting big cats and offering ecotourism safaris.
Kaa-Iya National Park
The largest national park in Bolivia, protecting a vast area of the Gran Chaco dry forest.
Chiquitano Dry Forest
The largest intact block of tropical dry forest in the world, located in eastern Bolivia.