Profepa Says Good Conditions at Puerto Vallarta Zoo
Profepa Says Good Conditions at Puerto Vallarta Zoo. Recent social media posts and photos of the conditions of animals at the Vallarta Zoo raised false concerns about mistreatment of animals at the Puerto Vallarta Zoo, the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa) carried out a detailed four-day inspection in October 2025. The results confirmed that the animals at the zoo are in good health and are being properly cared for in compliance with Mexico’s environmental protection laws.
The federal inspection was conducted at the Zoológico de Vallarta, located in Mismaloya, as part of Profepa’s oversight of registered Wildlife Management Units (PIMVS). Inspectors reviewed all animal enclosures, verified food and water conditions, and confirmed the zoo’s legal documentation for operating as a wildlife facility. The report stated that the animals have sufficient food, clean water, and appropriate shelter, all consistent with national welfare standards.
Municipal Government Confirms Profepa Says Good Conditions at Puerto Vallarta Zoo
In response to requests from local various animal rights groups and citizens, authorities from the Municipal Government of Puerto Vallarta carried out an additional visit to the Zoológico de Vallarta to supervise the condition of the facilities and the well-being of the animals under protection.
The 2nd visit included a tour of the zoo’s facilities, observation of habitats and animals, and direct discussions with the zoo’s management, veterinary staff, and caretakers. Among those participating were Bartolo Cruz Romero, head of the Environmental Sustainability Department; Vincent O’Halloran Lepe, Sustainable City Territory Manager; and Juan Carlos Peralta, Director of Communications.
In response, zoo representatives expressed respect for the right to protest but invited demonstrators to focus their energy on addressing the real threat: the illegal trafficking of wildlife. They noted that this growing crime in Mexico involves the purchase and sale of protected species such as cats, monkeys, birds, and reptiles—activities punishable by prison sentences of up to 10 years and heavy fines under the General Wildlife Law and the General Ecological Balance and Environmental Protection Law.
The zoo stated: “Having a wild animal at home is not an act of love—it is a crime. Buying or selling protected species is not freedom—it is complicity. Protest against trafficking, not those who fight it. Report it.”
Zoo Invited to Become a Wildlife Sanctuary
Following the inspections carried out by the Federal Prosecutor’s Office for Environmental Protection (PROFEPA) and local authorities of the Municipal Government of Puerto Vallarta, the Vallarta Zoo announced it has been officially invited to become a Sanctuary for the Caped Turtle and rescued crocodiles. This recognition honors years of committed work in wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and preservation.
More than 60% of the animals under the zoo’s care have been rescued and now receive proper medical care, nutrition, and habitats according to the protocols of the Association of Zoos, Breeders and Aquariums of Mexico (AZCARM) and the General Directorate of Wildlife (DGVS). Municipal and federal experts confirmed that the specimens are in excellent condition, and it was agreed to strengthen institutional collaboration to expand conservation areas, environmental education, and the protection of native flora.
Profepa says good conditions at Puerto Vallarta Zoo and reiterated their commitment to work shoulder to shoulder with authorities, organizations, and citizens to defend animals that have been victims of neglect, mistreatment, or illegal trafficking. The zoo emphasized that protecting wildlife is a shared responsibility.
Visit, Learn, and Support
The Vallarta Zoo encouraged the public to visit and learn more about its ongoing conservation work. “The Vallarta Zoo is not a spectacle; it’s a sanctuary. Every visit is an act of support for conservation. Every child who learns and every adult who reports is part of the solution.”
Profepa says good conditions at Puerto Vallarta Zoo and also verified that each animal is legally registered under the General Wildlife Law and that the facility operates under an approved Wildlife Management Plan authorized by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat). This certification underscores the zoo’s commitment to maintaining lawful and ethical standards in wildlife care.
Profepa says good conditions at Puerto Vallarta Zoo and issued recommendations to enhance hygiene practices, strengthen emergency response measures, and maintain high standards of animal welfare. The zoo will implement these actions in the coming days with follow-up from Profepa to ensure continued compliance.
Profepa says good conditions at Puerto Vallarta Zoo reinforces Puerto Vallarta’s reputation as a responsible eco-tourism destination, dedicated to wildlife protection and sustainable tourism. For visitors, it’s encouraging news—especially for families and animal lovers—who want to enjoy an educational and interactive experience surrounded by nature.
Visitor Information
The Puerto Vallarta Zoo is located in Mismaloya, about 25 minutes south of downtown Puerto Vallarta. The lush jungle setting makes it one of the city’s most unique attractions for both locals and tourists. Visitors can walk shaded trails, observe exotic and native species up close, and even feed certain animals under staff supervision.
Hours: Open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Location: Camino al Zoológico s/n, Mismaloya, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico.
Tickets: Approximately 200–250 pesos per adult and 100–150 pesos per child (subject to change).
Getting there: You can take a taxi, Uber, or local bus heading to Mismaloya from downtown Puerto Vallarta. The scenic coastal drive offers beautiful views of the Bay of Banderas.
The Zoológico de Vallarta remains a non profit must-visit attraction for anyone exploring Puerto Vallarta’s eco-friendly activities, combining wildlife conservation, family fun, and environmental education in one unforgettable experience.
For more Puerto Vallarta news and travel stories, visit the GAYPV website here.
Author: Tim Wilson
Wilson is the founder of GAYPV.com and www.gaybartour.com and has been the leading LGBTQ+ travel and lifestyle authority in Puerto Vallarta since 2005. With over two decades of local expertise, Wilson specializes in being a community advocate and leader for Puerto Vallarta , and local cultural insights that only a long-term resident can provide. He has dedicated 20+ years to advocating for safe, inclusive travel in Banderas Bay, establishing GAYPV as the region's most trusted resident insider.. His work has been cited by major travel publications, and he is widely recognized as a trusted insider voice on Puerto Vallarta’s vibrant LGBTQ+ scene.
