About
The Parque de la Conservación, on Avenida Guayabal, is the former Zoológico Santa Fe. Its owner, the Sociedad de Mejoras Públicas de Medellín, a private non-profit, turned it in 2020 into a refuge for native wild animals rescued from illegal wildlife trafficking. It houses around 600 animals of more than 113 species, among them spectacled bears, jaguars, pumas, tapirs and king vultures, alongside exotic species such as hippos and ostriches. The park is recognised as a living museum by Colombia's Ministry of Culture and as a science centre by its Ministry of Science.
Highlights
- Child tickets for ages 2 to 12 at COP 29,000, and under-2s free; COP 39,000 from age 13
- Around 600 animals of more than 113 species, most of them seized from wildlife traffickers
- Native species including spectacled bears, jaguars, pumas, red flamingos, tapirs and king vultures
- A bakery stand and a restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, ice cream and snacks
- Open Tuesday to Sunday and public holidays; tickets sold from 9:00 to 16:00, visitors can stay until 17:00
Getting there
By Public Transport
Take the Metro to Industriales station, then walk south along Avenida Guayabal. Bus routes to Prado or Itagüí that run along Avenida Guayabal also pass the park.
By Taxi / Rideshare
Give the driver the address, Carrera 52 #20-63 on Avenida Guayabal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours?
Tuesday to Sunday and public holidays. Tickets are sold from 9:00 to 16:00, and visitors can stay until 17:00. When a Monday is a public holiday, the park stays closed on the Tuesday and reopens on the Wednesday.
How much is a ticket?
COP 39,000 for ages 13 and over, COP 29,000 for children aged 2 to 12, and free for children under 2. Schools, social and business groups can ask for special discounts.
Can I bring food?
Yes, but only to eat in the areas the park sets aside for it: not while walking the route, and never to feed the animals. The park also sells food at its bakery stand and restaurant.
Can I bring my dog?
No, pets are not allowed. Certified emotional support dogs are admitted on a lead with their certificate, but not in the aviary.
Where do the animals come from?
Most were seized from traffickers by the environmental authorities. The park does not hunt or trade wild animals.
