Wildlife West Nature Park

About Wildlife West Nature Park

Wildlife West Nature Park is a 122-acre nature park, enhanced zoo, and entertainment venue in Edgewood, New Mexico, just off Interstate 40 between Albuquerque and Santa Fe. It's operated by the New Mexico Wildlife Association, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving native New Mexico wildlife and habitat through education, scientific research, and the wildlife park itself, while also giving underserved youth a chance to gain construction, animal care, and public-relations skills.

The park is built around non-releasable animals — species that were injured, orphaned, or illegally raised as pets and can't return to the wild. Wildlife West says it is likely the only zoo in the world constructed entirely by youth participants, and its habitats are designed to keep a native, natural look for the roughly 20 species of wildlife on site.

History

The New Mexico Wildlife Association built Wildlife West using young people for construction, animal care, and public-facing roles from the start, a distinction the park says makes it unique among zoos worldwide. Recent arrivals highlighted on the park's own site include a young black bear rescued from a ranch near Santa Fe after New Mexico Game and Fish staff trapped it using donuts, and a red fox named Foxie and a pronghorn named Thunder, both brought in as orphaned baby rescues.

Exhibits and habitats

Wildlife West houses its non-releasable animals in enclosures designed around each species' natural behavior and psychology, aiming for a native look rather than conventional cages. The park also includes a Kid's Imagination Trail for children and an all-weather outdoor amphitheater and enclosed "bean barn" used for concerts and events.

Animal highlights

The park's own materials describe roughly 20 species of native New Mexico wildlife living in natural habitats on site, all certified non-release animals — injured, orphaned, or illegally kept as pets before arriving at the park. Recent examples highlighted by the park include a black bear, a red fox, and a pronghorn, alongside free-roaming and migrant species that use the park's natural habitat beyond its enclosures.

Conservation and programs

Wildlife West runs educational programs for all ages, from wild bird handling classes to Junior Zookeeper day camps, aimed at building interest in the wildlife and ecology of the American Southwest. Enrichment is a stated priority for every animal in the collection, with habitats and activities designed to encourage natural behaviors and support the animals' mental and physical well-being.

Planning your visit

The park is a short drive from Albuquerque: from Interstate 40, take exit 187 for Edgewood, turn north, then turn left at the Conoco station onto the North Frontage Road and continue to the park entrance — about 20 minutes from Albuquerque. Children under 5 are admitted free. The park also hosts regular events, including music festivals tied to the New Mexico Wind Festival and the Fall Harvest Festival, seasonal Chuckwagon Suppers with live music, and dry camping for event participants. Check current hours and admission prices on the park's official website before visiting.