Dr. Juan A. Rivero Zoo

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Dr. Juan A. Rivero Zoo


Date opened	1954
Location	Mayagüez, Puerto Rico

Dr. Juan A. Rivero Zoo is a zoo located in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. It is the only zoo on the Island. it is named in honor of Juan A. Rivero. It has an extensive collection of animals from all continents, as well as new facilities. The zoo is undergoing a restructuring phase with the addition of the aviary, arthropodary and a butterfly exhibition.

1 Conservation Programs
2 Facilities
3 Adoption Program
4 Gallery
5 Additions
6 Controversies
7 References
8 External links

[edit] Conservation Programs

Compromised with animal welfare, especially those facing extinction the zoo has several conservations programs for the following species:

[edit] Facilities

Recreational areas
Souvenir Shop
Museum
Aviary
Mammal, birds, retile and amphibian exhibits
Arthropodary

[edit] Adoption Program

In an effort to promote conservation efforts, the Dr. Rivero Zoo has started an adoption program in which citizens can "adopt" one of the zoo's animals, and donate to contribute in conservation efforts.

[edit] Gallery

[edit] Additions

On March 2008 the zoo acquired two new giraffes and two desert warthogs to enforce the African collection. The animals were brought from Ohio and Louisiana^[1].

[edit] Controversies

The Zoo has been severely criticized for the condition of some animals and for handling in dangerous situations. Recently, a jaguar escaped its enclosure, and was shot. Zoo officials indicate that this was the only option given the danger faced by the zookeepers. Also, all giraffes at the zoo died. There was a couple, Princess the female and Baxter the male. The female died after giving birth to the first giraffe born in Puerto Rico, Twiga, who herself died after being injured in her neck by her father. Baxter died a year later from a colic.