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Dr. Juan A. Rivero Zoo

Coordinates: 18°12′58″N 67°07′59″W / 18.216205°N 67.133085°W / 18.216205; -67.133085
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18°12′58″N 67°07′59″W / 18.216205°N 67.133085°W / 18.216205; -67.133085

Dr. Juan A. Rivero Zoo
Map
Date opened1954
LocationMayagüez, Puerto Rico
No. of species75[1]

Dr. Juan A. Rivero Zoo is a zoo located in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. It is the only zoo on the island. it is named in honor of Juan A. Rivero. It has an extensive collection of animals from all continents, as well as new facilities. The zoo is undergoing a restructuring phase with the addition of the aviary, arthropodary and a butterfly exhibition. Benjamin Cole authored the law that created the zoo when he was a legislator.

Caimans at the Caiman exhibit.

Conservation Programs

Compromised with animal welfare, especially those facing extinction the zoo has several conservations programs for the following species:

Facilities

Red-legged Thrush at Juan A. Rivero Zoo
  • Recreational areas
  • Souvenir Shop
  • Museum
  • Aviary
  • Mammal, birds, retile and amphibian exhibits
  • Arthropodary

Adoption Program

In an effort to promote conservation efforts, the Dr. Rivero Zoo has started an adoption program in which citizens can "adopt" one of the zoo's animals, and donate to contribute in conservation efforts.

Additions

On March 2008 the zoo acquired two new giraffes and two desert warthog to enforce the African collection. The animals were brought from Ohio and Louisiana[2].

Controversies

The Zoo has been severely criticized for the condition of some animals and for handling in dangerous situations. Also, all giraffes at the zoo died. There was a couple, Princess the female and Baxter the male. The female died after giving birth to the first giraffe born in Puerto Rico, Twiga, who herself died after being injured in her neck by her father. Baxter died a year later from a colic.

References

  1. ^ "Zoológico Dr. Juan A. Rivero" (in Spanish). Retrieved 2009-07-21.
  2. ^ http://www.elnuevodia.com/diario/noticia/puertoricohoy/noticias/singulares_advenedizos/382690 Newspaper article covering the arrival of the giraffes and warthogs (Spanish)
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