Buenos Aires to charge entrance fees at former zoo, Ecoparque

Buenos Aires' Ecoparque, the former city zoo, will start charging an entrance fee starting next Wednesday. Only residents of the City of Buenos Aires will be granted free admission, a policy that also applies to children under 12, individuals over 65, and people with disabilities, regardless of their residency.

The city government announced the decision, framing it as part of a policy to prioritize Buenos Aires residents in various services. While the Ecoparque has transformed from a traditional zoo into a center for rescue, conservation, and environmental education, it remains a popular attraction. Argentinians and residents from outside the city will pay $9,871 pesos for general admission, while foreigners will be charged $19,741 pesos, with a reduced rate for foreign children under 12.

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Giving priority to the people of Buenos Aires also means being more orderly in the city and ensuring that every peso paid by residents in taxes returns in quality services.

City officials emphasized that the new fee structure is intended to support the park's sustainability. "Giving priority to the people of Buenos Aires also means being more orderly in the city and ensuring that every peso paid by residents in taxes returns in quality services," stated the Head of Government, Jorge Macri. Ramiro Reyno, the park's director, added that the new access scheme guarantees long-term sustainability without compromising inclusion, as city residents will continue to enter for free.

The Ecoparque focuses on conserving endangered native species and enhancing biodiversity. Visitors can see native plants, butterflies, and animals such as capybaras, tapirs, rheas, Andean condors, and flamingos. The park also offers activities like guided tours in a renewable energy dome, a River Plate exploratory exhibit, a water plaza, a carousel, interactive animatronics, and a 4D experience.

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This new stage is the consolidation of ten years of work. The Ecoparque is today a living center for conservation and environmental education. The access scheme guarantees the sustainability of the project in the long term without sacrificing the principle of inclusion: the residents of the City will continue to enter free of charge.