While the current Parque Zoologico de Chapultepec (Chapultepec Zoo) as it known was opened in 1924 by a Mexican biologist Alfonso L. Herrera, the custom of conserving animal species dates back to the Aztec culture of Montezuma II in the 1400s. The place once served as a sanctuary where Aztec “tlatoanis” (emperors) rested.

It houses many endangered and emblematic species, which include the volcano rabbit, jaguar, Mexican wolf, axolotl, red-kneed tarantula, desert bighorn sheep and many more. Among those, it is especially popular for being one of the first facilities in the world to successfully breed the giant pandas and is currently home to two of them. The zoo is divided into seven ‘habitats’ of varying climates and vegetation to suit the required conditions of the resident animals, such as desert, tundra, green pastures and tropical forests. A completely family-friendly environment, this zoo will prove to be a treat, especially for children.