ABQ Times

Wildlife wonders from half a world away are now closer to home as the first part of the ABQ BioPark’s new Australian experience opened today at the Zoo.

Australian Shores and Lorikeets invites guests to explore unique bird species and Aboriginal culture. Two habitats for birds—one new and one fully renovated—are surrounded by authentic Aboriginal artifacts and five colorful murals. The $14 million project is the first part of a multi-faceted plan to bring Australia’s unique wildlife and culture to New Mexico.

“With this new habitat experience, the marvels of Australia are now at Albuquerque's doorstep,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Families and visitors to our city alike can always count on the BioPark to connect them with nature in new and spectacular ways.”

Guests will be immersed in the continent’s cultural and ecological landscape from the moment they enter Australia. The journey through Saltwater Country begins in an underwater viewing tunnel, where guests may spot little penguins zipping through the largest habitat for their species in the United States. Guests can walk inside the Australian Shores habitat to watch penguins and several species of ducks swimming and flying freely around them.

As they cross into Freshwater Country, guests can hear lorikeets' chatter and kookaburras' iconic call. A highlight here is the Lorikeet Experience—during select times and seasons, for a small fee, guests can walk through the habitat for an immersive adventure surrounded by social and inquisitive birds.

“Australia provides guests with an engaging opportunity that highlights the diverse and fascinating winged wildlife of Australia," said Karen Waterfall, BioPark curator of birds. “It gives the Albuquerque community a peek into the enchanting world of little penguins, lorikeets, and other Australian birds, fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding of global biodiversity."

The BioPark partnered with Boomalli Creative, an Aboriginal-owned consulting firm based in New South Wales, Australia, to create a one-of-a-kind cultural immersion. Throughout the space, visitors will see authentic artifacts and brightly colored murals featuring Australian regions referred to as countries: Dryland, Freshwater, and Saltwater Countries.

The final phase of Australia, expected to start construction this winter, will be a Dryland and Freshwater Country experience with kangaroos, Tasmanian devils, wombats, emus, wallabies, and other Australian wildlife.

This Zoo renovation is funded through a ⅛-cent Gross Receipts Tax (GRT) approved by voters in 2016 specifically designated to fund capital improvements at the BioPark. The GRT is projected to provide an estimated $255 million to the BioPark over 15 years.

The New Mexico BioPark Society and ABQ BioPark extend gratitude to their dedicated community partners at Bank of Albuquerque, sponsor of Australian Shores.

For more information about the new Australia habitat or news about other happenings at ABQ BioPark follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X or visit cabq.gov/artsculture/biopark.

Photo credits: ABQ BioPark.