Albuquerque’s BioPark offers a unique blend of nature, science, and interactive activities, from exploring traditional healing gardens to feeding sharks and brushing Highland cattle.
El Jardín de Curandera, a garden dedicated to traditional medicinal practices, showcases the region’s unique blend of Spanish and Indigenous knowledge. Maria, a guide at the garden, explained, “A curandera is a traditional healer, and the description of a curanda is unique to our region because it combines the traditional knowledge that the Spanish brought over when they immigrated from Spain into New Mexico and then it also is the indigenous knowledge that was shared with them when they arrived.”
Visitors can learn about plants like stinging nettle, which Maria said, “helps with allergies, arthritis, [and has] very high nutrient value.” She added, “You can blanch her, make her in a tea, sauté her in a pan. And you get all of the benefits of this plant without that sting. However, that sting is also very useful. It helps with arthritis. So it’s a homeopathic and it triggers healing.”
Sweet basil is another highlight. “It smells so good,” Maria said. “Not only is it delicious in pasta and caprese salad, but it is great for headaches. It’s good for calming digestion, which is why we like incorporating it in food. It’s anti-microbial.” Holy basil, or tulsi, offers similar benefits but with a stronger, fruitier scent.
The garden also supports wildlife, with plants like salvia attracting hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees. Maria noted, “The birds, when the seeds dry, they love those seeds, and then this clumping action that you see in the bottom of this grass, all of our native bees, many of them are ground nesting, and so they love to nest and seek shelter in this grass.”
Visitors can even get hands-on by planting grasses to help maintain the habitat. Maria explained, “These plants, because they’re deep-rooted and they’re resilient to dry periods, are why our native plants are more suited for this type of soil and environment.”
Next door, the Albuquerque Aquarium offers a close-up look at marine life, including a 285,000-gallon tank home to five shark species. Feeding the sharks is a detailed process. “It is necessary for their health to ensure that they’re receiving the specific percentage of their body weight in food,” said Matt, a staff member. Vitamins are added to the fish before they are skewered onto poles to avoid associating humans with food.
Feeding sharks comes with its challenges, as barracudas often try to snatch the food. Shark feeders are trained to identify each shark, like Dix, who has “a chip out of her pectoral fin on her right.” The feeding continues until each shark receives the proper amount.
The adventure continues at the Heritage Farm, where visitors can connect with New Mexico’s agricultural history across 11 acres of land. Colin, a staff member, introduced Stewie, a Highland steer. “He is one of our three Highland cattle we have out here at the farm. Very gentle giant. He loves to be pet. He’s like a big puppy dog,” Colin said.
Highland cattle are unique with their long, shaggy hair and horns. Colin explained, “The hair on them makes them more disease resistant, more resistant to flies. So they actually do better than most traditional cattle.” Visitors can brush Stewie and even feed him cookies during monthly experiences.
The farm is also self-sustaining, growing produce for the animals and donating excess to local nonprofits. “Not only for our animals here but also for the community,” Colin said.
From healing plants and cuddly cattle to shark feedings, Albuquerque’s BioPark offers something for everyone. Open year-round, it’s a perfect destination for all seasons.
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