Chetumal, Quintana Roo — Governor Mara Lezama has unveiled a comprehensive $20 million modernization project for Payo Obispo Zoo, one of Chetumal’s most iconic public spaces. The historic investment aims to improve animal welfare, enhance environmental education, and provide safe, dignified facilities for local families and visitors.
Key Environmental Education Space
During the presentation at the zoo, Governor Lezama emphasized the facility’s importance as a meeting point between the city and its natural environment. Founded in 1980, the zoo has served for decades as a reference point for environmental awareness, particularly for children who participated in the event as part of the closing ceremony for the Ko oox Kanik (Let’s Learn) spring course organized by the Quintana Roo Youth Institute.
“Here, children discover life, specialists work to rescue species, and we preserve a fundamental part of southern Quintana Roo’s environmental identity,” Lezama said.
Project Prioritizes Animal Welfare and Conservation
Ecology and Environment Secretary Óscar Rébora detailed that the project involves comprehensive intervention with a focus on animal welfare and biodiversity conservation. Key actions include:
- Renovation of the main entrance and facade
- Rehabilitation of enclosures, particularly for felines
- Improvement of shelter areas to meet current standards
- Intervention in five key zones of the facility
These zones include the access and facade area, central building and courtyard, immersive rooms, cage zone, and veterinary clinic with shelter area.
Infrastructure Modernization and Visitor Experience
The project also incorporates museum elements, projection systems, lighting and signage improvements, and modernization of hydraulic, electrical, and sanitary infrastructure. Currently housing approximately 50 species, the zoo features areas including a small farm, wetlands, aviary, serpentarium, orchid garden, outdoor theater, and train station.
The space receives an average of over 4,000 visitors monthly, reflecting its importance as a site for community gathering, learning, and recreation.
Work to Continue Throughout 2026
Modernization work will continue throughout 2026 using resources from the State Trust for Biodiversity Conservation, with the goal of establishing the zoo as a regional reference for conservation, environmental education, and sustainable recreation.
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