About Us

[History] [Facilities] [Animals] [About Our Founder]

Wildlife West Nature Park is New Mexico's premier facility dedicated to native wildlife and ecology. Located just minutes east of Albuquerque in Edgewood, the Park encompasses 122 acres of land, much of which has remained undisturbed throughout the development of the facility. Many of our residents occupy spacious enclosures designed to accommodate their natural behaviors. All of our animals are non-releasable, either due to injury or some other factor that makes life in the wild impossible for them. Wildlife West's intensive animal enrichment program encourages natural behaviors in feeding, play, and other areas to ensure that our animals are as mentally and emotionally healthy as possible. The Park includes an approximately 1/3 acre pond - complete with observation blinds - which is home to a host of native species and is visited annually by a variety of migratory birds. Our zoo is privileged to have a large, well trained staff of volunteers and members of the New Mexico Youth Conservation Corps who support our efforts while experiencing the satisfaction of contributing to a worthy and worthwhile cause. The park has developed a broad-based educational program, and has become a regional center for concerts, festivals, and other events.

History

Wildlife West Nature Park began in 1992 as a not-for-profit all volunteer effort to create a new approach to combining habitat restoration, recreation, and environmental education for children and adults.  After 30,000 hours of volunteer labor by many people we opened in August of 1994 with a wetlands project functioning and several nature trails for bird watching.  Throughout the Park's history, we have added a major new habitat nearly every year, as well as the bean barn, amphitheater, gift shop, and Town of Venus for vending during major events. The Park has played host to a variety of entertainment events as well as those celebrating wildlife and the rich culture of New Mexico.

Facilities

From its humble beginnings as 122 acres of vacant land east of Albuquerque, the Park has grown into a major area attraction. In addition to approximately 30 wildlife exhibits connected by 2 miles of trails, the Park boasts a fully equipped, covered amphitheater (capable of dinner seating for 500 people or concert seating for 1,000), described by nationally renowned artists such as Syd Masters as one of the best outdoor venues in New Mexico. Indoor events, including concerts, craft fairs, trade shows, and other functions can be accommodated by our fully enclosed barn, with a large stage and spacious floor area. Our complex includes large lawn areas perfect for outdoor fairs, tractor and automobile shows, and demonstrations of all kinds. Dry camping for some events can be accommodated on a case-by-case basis.

Our habitat designs are based on state-of-the-art concepts that are used to provide the best possible viewing opportunities while incorporating the specific needs of our residents. Every species has specific requirements with respect to refuge, view (for example, some animals are uneasy if they cannot see the area surrounding their cages, while others are not), living "surfaces," and land cover. Using natural landscaping inside the habitats wherever possible requires more maintenance, but provides a superior environment for residents and visitors alike.

Animals

The park is home to approximately 40 "permanent residents," including black bear, mountain lions, wolves, coyotes, elk, deer, javelina, fox, pronghorn antelope, raccoon, and a wide variety of birds of prey - although the total varies depending on new additions. Our prairie dog habitat is complete, and we are in the process of arranging to bring new residents into our neighborhood. Many of our animals take part in our educational programs and a variety of shows and other entertainment activities. Of course, our 122-acre preserve also plays host to a variety of wild species and migratory birds, so every visit is unique!

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