Alameda Park Zoo in Alamogordo Expands Exhibits with New Camels, Sloths, and Infrastructure Upgrades; Gears Up for Massive Earth Day Weekend in April 2026

ALAMOGORDO, N.M. (March 1, 2026) — The Alameda Park Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in the Southwest founded in 1898, continues to evolve with a series of improvements and exciting animal additions throughout 2025 and into 2026, aimed at enhancing visitor experiences, animal welfare, and community engagement in the Tularosa Basin.

A recent highlight is the introduction of Arthur, a one-year-and-eight-month-old dromedary camel (distinguished by its single hump), who has joined the zoo’s collection and begun the integration process with Lenny, a roughly four-year-old Bactrian camel (known for its two humps). Arthur arrived from the West Texas Wildlife Preserve, a private animal conservation facility near Merkel, Texas, according to Zoo Education Coordinator Palmer Shelton. The pair adds to the zoo’s educational focus on camel species, showcasing adaptations to arid environments similar to New Mexico’s high desert.

This camel addition follows the arrival of two Linnaeus’s two-toed sloths, which were revealed to the public on January 3, 2026, after settling into their brand-new custom habitat. The sloths, known for their relaxed demeanor, have quickly become a fan favorite, drawing about 500 visitors in their first two weeks alone. Zoo staff have been providing careful monitoring, quiet acclimation time, and behind-the-scenes care to ensure a smooth transition. “We’re over the moon that you’re just as excited as we are about our sloths,” the zoo shared in a update, noting ongoing tweaks to their environment for optimal comfort.

The sloths and camels join a diverse collection of nearly 300 animals, including Swainson’s hawks, reptiles, monkeys, and more, reinforcing the zoo’s role as a key educational and conservation hub in Otero County.

Infrastructure projects have also been a focus. In November 2025, the city addressed the Alameda Zoo Duck Pond Improvements under Public Works Bid No. PW 2025-007. The project enhanced wildlife habitats with new aviary netting, pond lining replacements, sewer line upgrades, a walkway bridge gate, and a 16-foot-tall aviary enclosure. The work was designed to improve safety and functionality for waterfowl and visitors alike.

Earlier in 2025, the zoo underwent electrical and IT infrastructure upgrades in March. These modernizations are part of broader efforts to support expanded operations and technology for animal care and guest services.

Looking ahead, the zoo introduced new operating hours effective March 1, 2026: closed on Tuesdays but extending to 9 p.m. on Wednesdays for “Late Night Adventure” sessions. This change allows visitors to observe nocturnal animals in action under moonlight, adding a fresh twist to evening outings.

Community events tied to these improvements include the annual Earth Day celebration on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring a butterfly release, appearances by Smokey the Bear and Dolly, a Swainson’s hawk encounter, a live reptile show, and more — all geared toward conservation education. The event is shaping up to be part of a massive weekend for Alamogordo, coinciding with the Legacy of Liberty Air Show at Holloman Air Force Base on April 18 and 19.

Zoo Manager Kate Maes and her team have been planning since August 2025 to align the schedule, ensuring residents can enjoy Earth Day conservation activities at the zoo and also head to the air show.

Key considerations include specialized animal care, coordination with local schools for the butterfly release, and staffing for safety.

All proceeds from Earth Day help fund the 2026 Junior Zookeeper Camp, supporting hands-on learning for young animal enthusiasts. Vendor sign-ups and additional activity details are available by contacting the zoo directly.

Zoo officials emphasize that these upgrades prioritize animal well-being and accessibility. With exhibits spanning raptors, primates, and reptiles, the Alameda Park Zoo remains a beloved local attraction, drawing families from Alamogordo, Holloman Air Force Base, and beyond. The Alameda Park Zoo is a popular attraction and important to the culture of the Alamogordo community.

For more information, visit the zoo’s Facebook page at facebook.com/AlamedaParkZoo or the City of Alamogordo website at ci.alamogordo.nm.us

Admission is affordable, this is a family friendly facility and memberships support ongoing enhancements.

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