Barranquilla Zoo

The story of the Barranquilla Zoo begins in the 1930s, born from a visionary donation by Tomás Suri Salcedo to the Public Improvements Society. What started as a modest park and nursery in the El Prado neighbourhood, featuring humble domestic pigeons, eventually outgrew its original space. By 1953, the facility had relocated to its current site in the La Concepción neighbourhood, officially opening as the Roberto Puyana Park. It was an era of transformation, setting the stage for what would become a cornerstone of local conservation and public engagement. During the mid-twentieth century, specifically between 1968 and 1975, the zoo experienced a golden age of expansion. Through strategic exchanges with renowned international institutions in cities like Zurich, Lisbon, Miami, and Barcelona, the collection grew in both variety and stature. This period established the zoo as a significant player on the global zoological stage, while also becoming a vital sanctuary for animals rescued from illegal wildlife trafficking. These rescued creatures, often unable to return to the wild, found a permanent and caring home, deepening the institution's commitment to animal welfare. The journey has not been without challenges, particularly in the 1980s when the facility faced a period of instability and potential closure. Yet, resilience prevailed. In 1993, the administration was transferred to the Fundación Botánica y Zoológica de Barranquilla, marking a turning point that revitalised the park. Today, the zoo looks toward the future, with ongoing discussions and studies concerning its relocation to larger, more modern facilities. This continued evolution reflects the dedication of the community to ensuring that the zoo remains a sanctuary for wildlife and a place of pride for the city of Barranquilla.