Chapultepec Zoo is part of the Mexican tradition of conserving animal species that dates back to ancient times; like in the times of the Aztecs, in which one of the Mexica emperors, Moctezuma Xocoyotzin, possessed a zoological garden containing exotic species from the most recondite places in Mesoamerica, all of which greatly impressed the Spanish conquerors.

Inspired in this past’s splendor, on July 6^th 1923, the eminent Mexican biologist Alfonso L. Herrera placed the first stone of the Chapultepec Zoo, after having profoundly investigated and visited Zoos in other parts of the world so as to be able to design an adequate space for the animals, which he acquired from countries like the United States, France, India, Peru and Brazil. After one year of construction, the Chapultepec Zoo opened its doors in 1924, becoming with time, one of the most important zoological parks in the world with more than 5 million visitors each year.

The Chapultepec Zoo received international recognition since the end of the 20^th Century due to its successful breeding programme, specifically of the panda bears, being the first institution outside of China to achieve the reproduction of this species. These bears are the main attraction of the zoo and are beloved by the inhabitants of the city. Their fame has achieved such heights that they even were the object of a song that achieved great popularity in the 80’s.

After two years of remodeling, in which more recent technology and didactical programmes were implemented, in 1994, the Chapultepec Zoo reopened and it’s now integrated by 7 areas with special climatic and vegetal conditions:  

1. Desert
2. Pastures
3. Coastal Strip
4. Tundra
5. Aviary
6. Tempered Forest
7. Tropical Forest

The Chapultepec Zoo also has an important reptile house and a recently opened butterfly house. Among the services offered there are guided visits for schools, a shop and a fast food area.