Santiago’s Metropolitan Park Zoo reopened to the public on Tuesday, offering free admission as a centennial celebration and a renewed effort to connect residents with biodiversity. The reopening follows months of closure due to construction related to the new Pío Nono cable car, according to officials.
The zoo, a central feature of the Parque Metropolitano, aims to revitalize attendance and promote engagement with the park’s diverse animal collection, while implementing visitor control measures. Access is limited to a maximum of 4,000 visitors per day, requiring advance reservations to guarantee entry, particularly at the Pío Nono access point.
Visitors can obtain free tickets through the zoo’s official website, where they must complete a personal data form, select a visit date, and complete a reCAPTCHA verification. Upon successful registration, a QR code is generated, which must be presented at the ticket booth for entry. Reservations can also be made in person with assistance from authorized staff at the Pío Nono entrance, catering to those unable to complete the online process.
The zoo operates from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Tuesday through Sunday. It remains closed on Mondays for routine maintenance. Park authorities have reiterated that pets and motorized vehicles are prohibited within the zoo grounds, consistent with existing park regulations.
Gonzalo García, director of the Metropolitan Park, stated to Expreso Bio Bio that the zoo would operate under these hours and with the free admission policy as part of the centennial commemoration. The park itself is open from 6:00 AM to 8:30 PM daily, including holidays, according to information from ChileAtiende.
The reopening of the zoo is part of a broader network of attractions within the Parque Metropolitano, which also includes a funicular, an education and environmental research center, a network of urban parks, a cable car, park buses, a swimming pool, a Japanese garden, and an adventure park. Smoking and open flames are prohibited throughout the park and its associated facilities.