Information
Landmark: Spring River Park and ZooCity: Roswell
Country: USA New Mexico
Continent: North America
Spring River Park and Zoo, Roswell, USA New Mexico, North America
Overview
In Roswell, New Mexico, the Spring River Park and Zoo welcomes families with a mix of lively animal exhibits, shaded walking trails, and open green spaces where kids can chase a ball or watch ducks glide across the pond.Spread across about 34 acres, the zoo lets you get up close to native and exotic animals, join engaging educational programs, and wander shady trails where the scent of pine makes it a peaceful spot for locals and travelers alike.Back in the mid-20th century, Roswell launched the park and zoo as part of its community development efforts, giving locals an easy-to-reach stretch of green where they could stroll under shade trees, play, and learn.Over the years, it grew into a vibrant place that champions animal conservation, teaches visitors about the environment, and offers families a spot to relax by the pond.The City of Roswell runs Spring River Park and Zoo today, keeping it one of the region’s rare free-admission zoos-a small green haven where families can wander without paying a dime, proof of the city’s dedication to public access and community life.At the zoo, you’ll find creatures from the sunbaked Southwestern desert and far-off regions, each living in carefully crafted spaces that feel like the wild-rocks warm to the touch, shade where it’s needed.Capitan Trail features bobcats, sly foxes, powerful cougars, and swift pronghorns, offering a vivid glimpse into the rich wildlife of the American Southwest.Exotic Species: You’ll spot llamas, kangaroos, peacocks, and other creatures from far-off places-sure to make younger visitors grin as they watch a peacock’s feathers catch the sunlight.In the Reptile and Bird areas, you'll find aviaries filled with the rustle of wings and terrariums where snakes coil beside slow-moving turtles, all under the watchful eyes of raptors.Children’s Zoo: A friendly petting spot where families can meet gentle animals-goats nibbling hay, soft-coated sheep, and tiny horses-all in a safe, welcoming space.At the zoo, learning happens by watching-a tiger pace, a parrot tilt its head-and that focus on observation keeps students and nature lovers hooked.Beyond the animal exhibits, Spring River Park offers wide green lawns, cool picnic spots under leafy trees, and winding paths that trace the slow, clear flow of the river that gave the park its name.Playgrounds and picnic shelters make great spots for family outings or school trips, whether it’s chasing a ball across the grass or sharing sandwiches in the shade.The miniature train winds through the park, a favorite attraction that glides past the zoo and along the river, where you can catch the scent of fresh water and hear the ducks splashing.The fishing pond gets fresh stock now and then, and wooden benches ring the edge, perfect for sitting in the hush and watching ripples spread.Botanical landscaping features native trees, bursts of flowering shrubs, and hardy desert plants, all shaping a peaceful space where visitors can wander shaded paths or pause on a sun-warmed bench.With its mix of lush scenery and easygoing activities, the park has a calm, inviting charm-so different from the hum of Roswell’s busy Main Street.At Spring River Park and Zoo, educational programs bring the community together to learn and care for wildlife, from hands-on workshops to quiet moments watching a hawk glide overhead.Zoo camps and workshops give kids a close-up look at wildlife biology, hands-on lessons in caring for animals, and ways to protect the environment-like planting native flowers in a small garden.We offer guided tours for schools and groups, with a spotlight on ecology and how animals behave-like watching sea otters crack shells on a sunny afternoon.Conservation Outreach works with local groups to protect habitats and promote sustainable practices across southeastern New Mexico, from dry grasslands to shaded riverbanks.These programs turn the zoo into more than a place to see animals-it becomes a living classroom where you might watch a red panda stretch in the morning sun and spark a curiosity that lasts for life.It’s easy for visitors to while away a few hours wandering the zoo’s shady paths, watching lemurs leap from branch to branch, and soaking up the fresh air during outdoor activities.It’s a peaceful, family-friendly place you can stroll through easily, with shady benches, small rest spots, and gentle paths that suit everyone from toddlers to grandparents.Locals stroll the park in the cool morning air or spread blankets for weekend picnics, and travelers linger here to soak up the quiet after a day chasing Roswell’s livelier spots, like the UFO Museum.Seasonal events-like the spooky Zoo Boo at Halloween or lively community days in summer-bring bursts of celebration that brighten the year.If you’re planning a visit, you’ll find Spring River Park and Zoo at 1306 East College Boulevard in Roswell, only a few minutes from downtown-close enough to smell fresh popcorn from a nearby stand.The park’s open every day, free to all, though you can drop a few coins in the box to help feed the animals and keep the grounds tidy.You’ll find restrooms, picnic tables, plenty of parking, and smooth paths wide enough for strollers.Spring River Park and Zoo leaves you with a fresh sense of balance-lush trees swaying overhead, curious lessons tucked into each exhibit, and plenty of space to simply play.With native wildlife, interactive exhibits, and quiet stretches of green, it’s one of Roswell’s most welcoming outdoor spots-a place to pause under the cottonwoods, breathe deeply, and savor the easy pace of life in southeastern New Mexico.
