Best zoo destinations in South America

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South America's zoological institutions vary considerably in quality, with the leading facilities in the major cities operating serious conservation and breeding programmes for regionally significant species alongside a visitor offer of increasing ambition. The continent's extraordinary biodiversity gives its best zoos access to endemic species unavailable in collections elsewhere, with Amazonian fauna, Andean wildlife and Atlantic forest species forming collections of genuine scientific significance.

Several institutions have developed strong rescue and rehabilitation programmes for wildlife affected by habitat loss and illegal trade, operating as much as sanctuaries as traditional zoological collections. The line between zoo and wildlife sanctuary is less clearly drawn here than in more regulated markets, and researching the conservation credentials and welfare standards of specific institutions before visiting is worthwhile.

Admission fees are modest across most of the continent and your money goes a long way making multiple institution visits practical on modest budgets. Animal welfare standards and accreditation vary considerably and checking institutional credentials before visiting is advisable. Behind the scenes experiences and conservation volunteer programmes are available at several of the leading facilities for those wanting deeper engagement than standard public access provides.