Wildlife West Nature Park is a 122 acre (0.49371692 km²) nature park

Nature park

A nature park is a landscape protected by means of long-term planning, use and agriculture. These valuable landscapes are preserved in their present state and promoted for touristic purposes....

, enhanced zoo

Zoo

A zoological garden, zoological park, menagerie, or zoo is a facility in which animals are confined within enclosures, displayed to the public, and in which they may also be bred....

, and entertainment venue located in Edgewood, New Mexico

Edgewood, New Mexico

Edgewood is a town in Santa Fe County, New Mexico, United States. It is part of the Santa Fe, New Mexico Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 3,375 at the 2010 Census.- History :...

, USA. The Park is operated by the New Mexico Wildlife Association. Wildlife West is home to non-releasable animals of numerous species in native habitats, and also provides natural habitat for free roaming and migrant species. Wildlife West provides a variety of educational programs for people of all ages, and is perhaps the only zoo in the world that can claim to have been constructed entirely by youth participants.

Animal Enrichment

Wildlife West is dedicated to animal enrichment, seeking to provide environments, stimulation, and activities that encourage natural behaviors and contribute to the mental and emotional well-being of its inhabitants. The "native" look of the enclosures and habitats is the result of an intensive design process that takes into account the unique characteristics and psychology of the animals for whom they are created. Animals are provided with unique challenges associated with play and feeding, often in coordination with the Park's educational programs, that allow them to exercise the talents and abilities that have made them so well adapted to their natural environments.

Education

Wildlife West provides several series of educational programs for participants of all ages. From wild bird handling classes to Junior Zookeeper day camps, the Park seeks to stimulate interest and enthusiasm for the wildlife and ecology of the American southwest.

Events and Entertainment

Wildlife West's facilities include an all-weather outdoor amphitheater and enclosed "bean barn." The Park produces several series of concerts and weekend music events, that are often coordinated with regional events such as the New Mexico Wind Festival; Edgewood Run, Rally, and Rock; and the Fall Harvest Festival. Nationally recognized performers such as John McCutcheon, Karl Shiflet and Big Country Show, the Byron Berline Band, Valerie Smith and Liberty Pike, Shawn Camp, and the Lynne Morris Band have appeared at many of Wildlife West's music festivals along with New Mexico favorites like Elliot's Ramblers, Raising Cane, Hot Club of Santa Fe, and Syd Masters and the Swing Riders. During such events, the Park often offers dry camping opportunities for participants. During the summer season, Wildlife West also hosts weekly Chuckwagon Suppers including live "old west" music.

External links

• Wildlife West Nature Park