On the morning of Sunday, May 4, more than 5,000 people celebrated the 15th anniversary of Mérida’s Animaya Zoo, amid laughter, applause, mascots, and water bubbles.
From early on, entire families and national and international tourists gathered at the zoo in the west of the city to enjoy a day full of free activities organized by the Mérida City Council. Excited children ran after the mascots, especially the capybara ones, to get a souvenir photo.
“We’re celebrating,” the entertainers repeated from the stage in front of the main tower, entertaining the audience with music, dancing, and smiles. The presentation of the 2025 Carnival Kings, a car exhibition, live shows, and free rides for two hours made many forget the intense heat.
Long lines formed to get on the Safari, the mini-train, or to see the popular capybaras. “It doesn’t matter, I’ll bring the kids some water right now, and we’ll take some pictures while we wait in line. They want to see the capybaras,” said a father who brought his children to celebrate Children’s Day, Animaya’s anniversary, and the May 5th long weekend.
During the event, municipal authorities such as Arturo León Itzá, Director of Social Development, and Jorge Alberto Espinosa Atoche, Director of Municipal Public Services, highlighted the importance of having safe and educational spaces for children. They also publicly thanked the team of more than 70 Animaya workers, who have maintained the care of the animals and the park’s good condition for 15 years.
The celebration was part of Children’s Month, with simultaneous cultural activities in other public spaces such as the Centenario, the Olimpo, and the police stations, reaffirming the City Council’s commitment to family well-being and recreation.
TYT Newsroom
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