All about Parque Zoológico del Centenario in Mérida (2025)

I get that zoos can be a bit of a mixed bag, and to be honest, this one isn’t exactly a model of modern animal care. That said, if you’re visiting with kids, it’s still worth considering – let’s face it, kids never say no to animals.

Parque Zoológico del Centenario is Mérida’s oldest and best-known zoo, located just a couple of kilometers west of downtown. You’ll find everything from colorful birds and curious monkeys to reptiles and amphibians – a fun mix of animals to explore.

The park is actually two places in one – a relaxed city park and a classic zoo, all rolled into one big, family-friendly space.

The park side features a large playground, a small train that loops around, paddle boats on a little lake, and even a cable car with great views. There’s also a splash fountain that’s a total hit with kids when it’s blazing hot – which, in Mérida, is most of the time.

On the other side, you’ll find the zoo section with various exhibits, including an aviary, reptile and amphibian enclosures, and areas for primates and larger mammals.

While the zoo has been around for a long time, it’s clear that the facilities have room for improvement, especially regarding the animal enclosures. Especially the cages for the animals are unfortunately very small.

Despite this, it's still an interesting place to visit. The zoo houses animals from various parts of the world, with a particular focus on species native to the region, making it especially worthwhile if you want to learn more about the local wildlife.

If you’re planning to visit, it’s a good idea to take your time to explore both the recreational and animal areas. The park is easy to walk around, and it’s a nice place to spend a few hours, especially if you’re traveling with kids.

Though it’s not the most modern zoo, it’s still worth a visit, especially since it’s relatively centrally located. However, the more beautiful zoo is definitely Parque Zoológico Animaya.

Why It’s Called Centenario Zoo

If the year the zoo was founded, 1910, rings a bell, you can probably guess the inspiration behind the zoo's name.

It was named on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of Mexico's independence, which was declared in 1810 (however, independence was not officially recognized until 1821).

Natural History Museum of Mérida

The Museo de Historia Natural (Natural History Museum of Mérida) is located on the side of the Parque Zoológico del Centenario, the building at the intersection of Calle 59 and Calle 84.

The museum showcases the history of the local fauna and flora, and its location makes it perfect for combining a visit to the zoo with the museum if you're in the area.

Parque Zoológico Animaya

The other zoo in Mérida, Parque Zoológico Animaya (also called Parque Zoológico del Bicentenario), is also situated west of the city center, but at the very edge of the city, about 10 kilometers away.

Parque Zoológico Animaya is the newer of the two public zoos and offers a more open, safari-style environment where the animals can roam more freely. If you're looking for a more natural experience, Animaya is a great option.

You’ll get a chance to see the animals in settings that resemble their natural habitats, which makes for a really enjoyable visit.