Santa Fe Zoo
A compact, family-friendly zoo with over 1,000 animals from 200+ species. Highlights include the butterfly garden, hippo enclosure, and Colombian wildlife section with jaguars and condors.
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History & Background
Founded in 1959
The Santa Fe Zoo was established in 1959 by the Universidad de Antioquia's Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. Originally created for research and conservation, it has evolved into one of Medellín's most popular family attractions. The zoo sits on 4.5 hectares in the Santa Fe neighborhood, right along the Medellín River.
Conservation Focus
The zoo focuses on Colombian wildlife conservation, participating in breeding programs for endangered species like the Andean condor and the cotton-top tamarin. It houses over 1,000 animals from 200+ species, with emphasis on native Colombian fauna including jaguars, spectacled bears, and golden poison frogs.
The Butterfly Garden
One of the zoo's most beloved features is the butterfly garden (mariposario), where visitors can walk among hundreds of live butterflies native to Colombia — which has more butterfly species than almost any country on earth.
Highlights
- ✦Over 1,000 animals from 200+ species
- ✦Butterfly garden (mariposario) with native Colombian species
- ✦Colombian wildlife section — jaguars, spectacled bears, condors
- ✦Hippo enclosure — always a hit with kids
- ✦Conservation breeding programs for endangered species
- ✦Compact layout — can be explored in 2 hours
- ✦Located right on the metro line
Practical Info
Local Tips
- →Great for families with kids — compact and easy to navigate
- →Visit early when animals are most active
- →The butterfly garden is best on sunny days
- →Allow about 2 hours for a full visit
- →Bring water — the zoo has limited shade on hot days
- →Combine with a walk along the Medellín Riverfront nearby
- →The zoo offers educational programs in Spanish