ZOOMAT: The Zoo of Chiapan Fauna

"Most zoos in the world have animals from all continents — ZOOMAT does exactly the opposite."

While zoos like Mexico City Zoo or Chapultepec exhibit African giraffes, polar bears, and Asian lions, ZOOMAT has a completely different philosophy: it exhibits ONLY native fauna of Chiapas and southeastern Mexico.

Tapirs, jaguars, ocelots, spider and howler monkeys, quetzals, harpy eagles, crocodiles, boa constrictors — all come from the Chiapas jungle. It is a celebration of the biodiversity specific to a region, not a global collection.

History and Mission: Founded in 1942, it is one of Mexico's oldest zoos. Its mission is conservation and rehabilitation of local wildlife. Many animals at ZOOMAT were rescued: injured, seized from illegal wildlife trafficking, or donated by caretakers unable to maintain them.

Jaguar: The "tiger" of Latin America. In captivity, ZOOMAT has one of the largest jaguars on the continent. The jaguar is the most dangerous feline in the American jungle — larger and stronger than the puma. At ZOOMAT you can see it face to face (safely).

Tapir (Baird): A living prehistoric animal. It is the largest tapir in America. It weighs up to 900 kg. It is endemic to Central America. A gentle herbivore despite its size.

Spider Monkeys and Howler Monkeys: The primates of the Chiapas jungle. Spider monkeys are air acrobats — they move through branches with impossible agility. Howlers are famous for their roars that can be heard kilometers away.

Quetzal: The most sacred bird of Mesoamerica. Its name comes from the Nahuatl word "quetzalli" (precious feather). In the wild it is very difficult to see — it is shy and hides in the canopy of tall trees. At ZOOMAT you can see it clearly. The green and red plumage is spectacular.

Ocelot and Puma: Other jungle felines. The ocelot is small but beautiful. The puma is the second largest feline after the jaguar.

Crocodiles: American crocodiles (different from caimans). Some specimens are over 50 years old.

Boa Constrictor: The largest snake in the region. Can reach 3 meters long. Non-venomous, kills by constriction.

Availability: ZOOMAT occasionally opens at night (some Fridays, Saturdays, or during specific seasons). Check availability in advance.

Why go at night? Most of the animals you see during the day are less active because it is hot. At night, when the temperature drops, felines (jaguar, ocelot, puma) come out of their refuges and are active. Monkeys behave differently. It is a completely different experience.

What is the Experience Like: The night tour is guided (it is mandatory). Guides carry red net flashlights that do not scare the animals. You see the felines hunting, the monkeys moving under the moon, the natural behavior of animals that is less visible during the day.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Booking is Essential: Night tours have limited capacity. Call ZOOMAT directly or ask at your hotel in Tuxtla how to reserve.

In addition to seeing live animals, ZOOMAT has several interpretation areas about Chiapan ecosystems:

• Lacandona Jungle Area: Shows the specific flora and fauna of the Lacandona jungle, one of Mexico's last primary forests.
• Mangrove Area: Interpretation of mangrove ecosystems and marine life.
• Cloud Forest Area: Flora and fauna of the cloud forest of the Chiapas Highlands.
• Interactive Areas: Some areas allow you to touch plants, learn about animal tracks, and understand the ecology of the region.

Location: Tuxtla Gutiérrez, approximately 15 minutes from the city center. Accessible by taxi or Uber at very affordable price from downtown.

Hours: Open every day. Check specific hours in high vs low season.

Prices: Very affordable. Entrance for dozens of pesos, not hundreds. It is one of the most affordable attractions in Chiapas.

Parking: Free.

Food: There is a cafeteria inside ZOOMAT with reasonable prices. You can also bring your own picnic.

Tips to Enjoy It:

• Arrive Early in the Morning: Animals are more active before midday heat.
• The Jaguar is More Active in Cool Weather: If you go mid-morning (8-10 AM) it is a good time to see the jaguar active.
• Bring Repellent for the Afternoon: Especially in rainy season (May-October), there are mosquitoes in the afternoon.
• Use Binoculars (if you have them): Some animals are somewhat far. Binoculars help.
• Camera with Zoom: For photos of distant animals or high in trees.