Dr. Juan A. Rivero Zoo
| Dr. Juan A. Rivero Zoo | |
|---|---|
 | |
| 18°12′58″N 67°07′59″W / 18.216205°N 67.133085°W | |
| Date opened | 1954[2] |
| Location | Barrio Miradero Mayagüez, Puerto Rico |
| Land area | 45 acres (18 ha)[1] |
| No. of species | 75[3] |
| Website | National Parks website |
Dr. Juan A. Rivero Zoo (sometimes called Mayaguez Zoo) is a 45-acre (18 ha) zoo located in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico. It is the only zoo on the island. It is named in honor of Juan A. Rivero, its first director. It has an extensive collection of animals from all continents, as well as new facilities.
History
The zoo was originally opened in 1954, when legislator Benjamin Cole authored the law that created the zoo.[citation needed] Starting in 2003 the zoo went through a major upgrade with the addition of the aviary, arthropodary and a butterfly exhibition.[3]
On March 2008 the zoo acquired two new giraffes and two desert warthogs to augment the African collection. The animals were brought from Ohio and Louisiana.[4] The recent economic downturn related to the government debt crisis in Puerto Rico has led to issues with zoo maintenance and animal care.[5]
Conservation programs
Committed to animal welfare, especially those facing extinction, the zoo has several conservations programs for the following species:
- Puerto Rican crested toad
- Paloma sabanera (plain pigeon)
- Andean condor
Facilities
_Zorzal_de_Patas_Rojas.JPG)
- Recreational areas
- Souvenir Shop
- Museum
- Aviary
- Mammal, birds, reptile and amphibian exhibits
- Arthropodary
Adoption program
In an effort to promote conservation, 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.
References
- ^ "The Mayaguez Zoo Near Cabo Rojo- Puerto Rico's Largest". puertorico.com. NewMedia Holdings, Inc. Retrieved April 4, 2012.
- ^ "Zoological". pr.gov. Government of Puerto Rico. Retrieved July 30, 2011.
- ^ a b Mari, Brenda A. (March 25, 2005). "Something Sweet Like Mango in the Air: A Primer on Mayagüez". Puerto Rico Herald. Puerto Rico. Retrieved August 8, 2010.
- ^ Leon Alvarado, Gary E. (March 25, 2008). "Singulares advenedizos". elnuevodia.com. El Nuevo Dia. Archived from the original on January 22, 2013. Retrieved April 4, 2012.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|dead-url=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ Coto, Danica (July 17, 2017). "Puerto Rico economic crisis hits island's only zoo". The Washington Post. Retrieved July 17, 2017.
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External links
