Venezuela has an interesting mix of animal species in its native environment.
Many can be found in zoos and aquariums throughout the country.
In addition, several of these facilities have African species due to a trade agreement with Cuba.
While you can interact with and pet some animals in many facilities, there are some you’ll just want to avoid, such as the poisonous snakes found in one particular zoo.
Contents
- Zoos & Aquariums in Venezuela
- 1. Waterland
- 2. Expanzoo Expansion Centro Educativo Recreacional
- 3. Chorros de Milla Zoo
- 4. Aquarium de Valencia
- 5. Parque Zoológico y Botánico Bararida
- 6. Zoológico Caricuao
- 7. Merida Aquarium
- 8. Zoológico Paraguana
- 9. Las Delicias Zoo
- 10. Parque Zoológico Loefling
- 11. El Pinar Zoo
- 12. Parque del Este
- 12 Best Zoos & Aquariums in Venezuela – Summary Table
- Venezuela Safety Overview
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the most exciting thing you can do at an aquarium in Venezuela?
- What is the most interesting exhibit at a zoo in Venezuela?
- Are there many zoos in Venezuela where you can interact with the animals?
- Are there any interesting sights other than animals at these locations in Venezuela?
- Do the zoos and aquariums in Venezuela offer educational opportunities?
Zoos & Aquariums in Venezuela
Here’s a look at the 12 best zoos & aquariums in Venezuela:
1. Waterland
Located on the Isla de Margarita, Waterland is an amazing location filled with beautiful animals.
One of the primary attractions is the dolphin show, which ends with guests being chosen to swim with the dolphins.
Having the opportunity to be up close and personal with the dolphins will be an experience you will never forget.
In addition to the dolphins, there are also sea lions and exotic birds to round out the experience.
Even if you don’t get the opportunity to swim with the dolphins, this is one aquarium you won’t want to miss.
2. Expanzoo Expansion Centro Educativo Recreacional
The primary purpose of Expanzoo is to provide job opportunities to young individuals with special needs.
They also developed an educational recreation center that focuses on caring for adults with similar cognitive disabilities.
It offers various animals, from exotic to those you can pet.
You can see horses, llamas, peacocks, gulls, and penguins.
They also feature many animals native to Venezuela that are challenging to find anywhere else.
Expanzoo offers many services for those with special needs, including hydrotherapy, equine therapy, meditation, and relaxation.
3. Chorros de Milla Zoo
Built in 1958, this urban zoo built in beautiful mountains offers lovely temperatures nearly all the time.
They house many different animals, including lions, giraffes, bears, and rabbits.
One notable type of bear located at this zoo is the spectacled bear from the Paramos.
The zoo also features a phenomenal waterfall, the Tibisay Waterfall.
The legend behind the waterfall says that Princess Tibisay, after the passing of her love in a battle, shed tears that framed it.
You’ll also find over 2,000 types of plants within the zoo, making it an interesting place to stop if you’re into horticulture.
4. Aquarium de Valencia
Despite having the word aquarium in the name, the Aquarium de Valencia also features land animals.
However, the main feature that everyone loves at this aquarium is the dolphins, who put on a show, jumping and playing with their trainer.
Guests in the audience will often find themselves getting wet from the show.
In addition to the marine life, you’ll have the chance to see a river alligator, tapir, and felines.
It’s a great place to bring the whole family for a great outing.
Your children will love the experience, especially seeing the dolphin show.
5. Parque Zoológico y Botánico Bararida
Located in Barquisimeto, the Bararida Zoo and Botanical Park is a national reference zoo.
It also functions as a Decentralized Service that is attached to the State Government of Lara.
Within the park, there are many native trees and plants in addition to those from around the world.
There are several species of animals housed within the zoo, with many of them in danger of extinction.
While the zoo has downsized more recently on its animal population, it is still a beautiful place to visit.
It is well-maintained and a great experience for all who stop by.
6. Zoológico Caricuao
The Caricuao Zoo opened in 1977 and is still developing, as only a minimal amount of its total land space has been developed.
This park features several animals that run loose throughout.
While this can be an exciting experience, you’ll still need to take care.
There is a section dedicated to children, where they can feed and pet more docile species.
You’ll also find plenty of educational activities and guided tours.
The park offers a complete country experience with facilities for picnics.
They have days dedicated to school groups, and train tours are available on weekends and holidays.
7. Merida Aquarium
The Merida Aquarium is a smaller aquarium that boasts a lot of charm.
There are three main exhibits that you can enjoy.
The aquarium generally draws around 60,000 visitors yearly.
It’s a great option if you have children, as it will provide an easy distraction for some time.
They’ll enjoy the magic of the sea life on display.
Additionally, the guides at this aquarium are incredibly helpful and attentive, making the experience wonderful.
8. Zoológico Paraguana
The Paraguana Zoo features many different species of animals and is broken up in to four sections.
You can see all the birds in one section, including a large part of Venezuela’s natural fauna.
Moving on to the next section, there is a lagoon with many fish and freshwater turtles.
There is also a section for primates and one for crocodiles and similar species.
While the zoo is on the smaller side, it’s no less amazing to visit.
Your children will love the opportunity to celebrate birthdays and other special occasions here.
9. Las Delicias Zoo
Las Delicias Zoo originated in the early part of the 20th century when General Gomez housed a private collection of animals at his home.
It was in 1952 when this collection was turned into a public zoo by General Jimenez.
The zoo is home to elephants, large felines, monkeys, hippos, snakes, crocodiles, and many bird species.
It’s an excellent spot to visit, taking in all the wonderful animals it has to offer.
10. Parque Zoológico Loefling
The Loefling Zoo is a publicly owned zoo that received its name to honor the Swedish botanist Pehr Löfling.
Löfling was one of the initial people to make the flora and fauna of the region known to the realm of science.
He passed away near the city of Guayana.
You’ll be treated to the experience of seeing reptiles, tortoises, monkeys, caiman, deer, capybara, and many other species.
In addition, there are many different species of trees, including mahogany, ceibas, and oaks.
11. El Pinar Zoo
When you visit El Pinar Zoo, be sure to bring the children, as it also features a petting zoo.
In addition, you won’t want to miss the butterfly sanctuary.
The primary goal of the zoo is to teach children about wildlife.
To do this, they hold special wildlife education workshops and monthly ecological festivals.
Additionally, they have one special program called the Environmental Brigade.
During participation in this program, children will have the opportunity to act as a guide, explaining behaviors, care, and feeding of the animals.
12. Parque del Este
Featuring an aviary, terrarium, and small zoo, the Parque del Este is located in Caracas.
Within the aviary, you will have the opportunity to observe many species of Venezuelan birds.
The zoo has many fantastical features, including a jaguar pit, otter pool, and crocodile pool.
In the terrarium are the snakes, which are dubbed a chilling collection.
If you are faint of heart or snakes make you uncomfortable, you may want to skip this part of the park.
However, this is the largest collection in Venezuela of poisonous spiders, scorpions, and snakes.
12 Best Zoos & Aquariums in Venezuela – Summary Table
| Zoos & Aquariums | Address |
|---|---|
| Waterland | Porlamar 6316, Nueva Esparta, Venezuela |
| Expanzoo Expansion Centro Educativo Recreacional | 2 Km. de Lomas de la Lagunita El Hatillo, Caracas Venezuela |
| Chorros de Milla Zoo | Merida 5101, Mérida, Venezuela |
| Aquarium de Valencia | Sector Los Colorados, Av. Fernando Figueredo, Valencia 2001, Carabobo, Venezuela |
| Parque Zoológico y Botánico Bararida | carrera 28 con calle 12 Esquina calle 12 con Carrera 28, Barquisimeto 3001, Lara, Venezuela |
| Zoológico Caricuao | C2JJ+3MH, Av. Ppal de La Hacienda, Caracas 1000, Distrito Capital, Venezuela |
| Merida Aquarium | Av. Andres Bello Av Andrés Bello, Mérida 5101, Mérida, Venezuela |
| Zoológico Paraguana | Universidad Nacional Experimental Politécnica de la Fuerza Armada Bolivariana, Av. 6 Diagonal a la, Punta Cardón 4125, Falcón, Venezuela |
| Las Delicias Zoo | 7CQP+566, Maracay 2101, Aragua, Venezuela |
| Parque Zoológico Loefling | 77VV+4JW, Ciudad Guayana 8050, Bolívar, Venezuela |
| El Pinar Zoo | F3J7+J37, Av. Guzmán Blanco, Caracas 1020, Distrito Capital, Venezuela |
| Parque del Este | F5V6+76M, Avenida Francisco de Miranda, Caracas 1071, Miranda, Venezuela |
Venezuela Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Venezuela Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: HIGH
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: HIGH
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: HIGH
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most exciting thing you can do at an aquarium in Venezuela?
At Waterland, you may have the opportunity to swim with the dolphins.
As part of the dolphin show, the trainer will select participants from the audience to join the dolphins in the pool for an exciting experience.
Alternatively, if you are not selected to participate, there is the option to pay an extra fee for the opportunity.
What is the most interesting exhibit at a zoo in Venezuela?
One of Venezuela’s most interesting exhibits at a zoo is at Parque del Este.
Within the terrarium, which is not for everyone, there is a collection of poisonous creatures.
This collection is the largest in the entire country.
However, if you are afraid of snakes, spiders, or scorpions, you probably don’t want to head into the terrarium at this location because it will give you quite a fright.
Are there many zoos in Venezuela where you can interact with the animals?
There are several zoos throughout Venezuela with petting zoos, allowing guests to feed and pet the docile animals.
Caricuao Zoo is a little different than everywhere else in that it allows some animal populations to run free with the guests.
However, in this situation, it’s best to remain alert, as anything can happen.
Are there any interesting sights other than animals at these locations in Venezuela?
Many of the zoos offer an abundance of plant species to observe.
Chorros de Milla Zoo is one that has over 2,000 plant species represented, allowing you to get your fill of natural beauty in addition to the animals.
In addition, it also features the gorgeous Tibisay Waterfall that you can view toward the end of your visit to the zoo.
Loefling Zoo features many different kinds of trees in addition to their amazing animal selection.
Do the zoos and aquariums in Venezuela offer educational opportunities?
There are many educational opportunities at most of the facilities in Venezuela.
Their purpose is to educate people, mainly children, on wildlife and how they live.
At El Pinar Zoo, for example, children will have the opportunity to act as tour guides, leading people through what the animals do, how they need to be fed, and what it takes to care for them.
Another example is Expanzoo, which provides jobs to those with special needs and focuses on educational opportunities for them while they visit the park.
