Major Expansion Underway for Australia Exhibit at Albuquerque’s BioPark Zoo
Construction begins on a large new phase of the Australian wildlife and culture experience, introducing iconic species and immersive habitats
Construction has officially commenced on a major new phase of the Australia exhibit at the Albuquerque BioPark Zoo, marking a significant step in the development of one of the institution’s most ambitious wildlife and cultural projects.
The expansion, which follows the successful launch of the first phase of the Australia experience, aims to bring visitors closer to a wider array of Australia’s unique fauna and deepen engagement with Indigenous cultural narratives.
This next stage of work is expected to continue through much of 2026 and into early 2027, enhancing the park’s role as an educational and conservation destination.
The project, valued at nearly $19 million, will extend the BioPark’s Australia presence beyond the initial Australian Shores and Lorikeet habitats that opened in 2024. The new construction phase will create expansive dryland and freshwater country environments designed to house kangaroos, wombats, wallabies, emus, Tasmanian devils and other emblematic Australian animals.
These thoughtfully designed habitats will offer animals enriched environments and provide visitors with immersive encounters featuring a blend of naturalistic landscapes and culturally informed interpretive elements.
A central feature of the expansion is its integration of First Nations Australian cultural elements, reflecting the deep, enduring relationships between Australia’s Indigenous peoples and the continent’s ecosystems.
Cultural design elements will be incorporated throughout the exhibit, including spaces inspired by traditional yarning circles — areas for sharing stories and fostering connection — and authentic artworks and artefacts supplied by Aboriginal consulting partners.
These components are intended to complement educational programming and enhance visitor understanding of Australia’s heritage.
BioPark leadership has highlighted the expansion as part of a broader long-term vision to elevate the zoo’s global wildlife offerings and conservation message.
Funding for the project is drawn from municipal gross receipts tax revenues approved by local voters, which have supported numerous improvements across the zoo, aquarium and botanic garden system.
Zoo officials say the milestone underscores a commitment to animal welfare, experiential learning and cultural exchange, with the full Australia experience expected to open to the public in 2027.
The expansion, which follows the successful launch of the first phase of the Australia experience, aims to bring visitors closer to a wider array of Australia’s unique fauna and deepen engagement with Indigenous cultural narratives.
This next stage of work is expected to continue through much of 2026 and into early 2027, enhancing the park’s role as an educational and conservation destination.
The project, valued at nearly $19 million, will extend the BioPark’s Australia presence beyond the initial Australian Shores and Lorikeet habitats that opened in 2024. The new construction phase will create expansive dryland and freshwater country environments designed to house kangaroos, wombats, wallabies, emus, Tasmanian devils and other emblematic Australian animals.
These thoughtfully designed habitats will offer animals enriched environments and provide visitors with immersive encounters featuring a blend of naturalistic landscapes and culturally informed interpretive elements.
A central feature of the expansion is its integration of First Nations Australian cultural elements, reflecting the deep, enduring relationships between Australia’s Indigenous peoples and the continent’s ecosystems.
Cultural design elements will be incorporated throughout the exhibit, including spaces inspired by traditional yarning circles — areas for sharing stories and fostering connection — and authentic artworks and artefacts supplied by Aboriginal consulting partners.
These components are intended to complement educational programming and enhance visitor understanding of Australia’s heritage.
BioPark leadership has highlighted the expansion as part of a broader long-term vision to elevate the zoo’s global wildlife offerings and conservation message.
Funding for the project is drawn from municipal gross receipts tax revenues approved by local voters, which have supported numerous improvements across the zoo, aquarium and botanic garden system.
Zoo officials say the milestone underscores a commitment to animal welfare, experiential learning and cultural exchange, with the full Australia experience expected to open to the public in 2027.
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