Zoos
Hillcrest Park Zoo
📍 1208 N Norris St, Clovis, NM 88101🕐 Hours
| Monday | Closed |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 9 AM–4 PM |
| Wednesday | 9 AM–4 PM |
| Thursday | 9 AM–4 PM |
| Friday | 9 AM–4 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–4 PM |
| Sunday | 9 AM–4 PM |
About Hillcrest Park Zoo
Small city zoo with exotic animals. Accessible animal park whose small collection includes a Bengal tiger, giraffes, alligators & bears. The zoo features a talking raven named Joe as part of its animal collection, representing an unusual interactive animal exhibit. Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars by 882 visitors.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Zoo
- Size
- 2nd largest zoo in New Mexico, 140+ acres
- Best For
- All ages
- Highlights
- Giraffe feeding, Bengal tiger, camel & reptile encounters, talking raven
- Special Feature
- Animal encounter programs starting at $35, seasonal splash park
💡 Did You Know?
- The zoo features a talking raven named Joe as part of its animal collection, representing an unusual interactive animal exhibit
- Hillcrest Park Zoo launched a new Animal Encounter Program in 2025 offering hands-on experiences with giraffes, camels, bat-eared foxes, and reptiles guided by zookeepers
- The zoo maintains 100% stair-free grounds with free wheelchair rentals and Radio Flyer wagon rentals ($5-$8), making it fully accessible for visitors with mobility limitations
- The zoo allows visitors to bring their own food for picnics, an uncommon policy that enhances affordability and accessibility for families
- Despite being described as a small city zoo, visitor reviews consistently note it is 'larger than it appears' with a diverse collection including Bengal tigers, giraffes, camels, bears, and freely roaming peacocks
💬 What Visitors Say
- Don't miss the Animal Encounter Program launching in 2025, which offers hands-on experiences with giraffes, camels, bat-eared foxes, and reptiles—these interactive opportunities go beyond standard zoo viewing
- Bring a picnic to enjoy on the grounds and take advantage of the pond and peaceful areas throughout the zoo, which is larger than it appears at first glance
- Plan to visit the Education Building and interact with keepers like those staffing the lemur exhibit, as they provide valuable animal facts and educational insights that enhance the experience
- Start with the tiger and giraffe exhibits as visitor favorites, and watch for freely roaming peacocks and Canadian geese throughout the pond areas
- Allow more time than expected for your visit since the zoo is larger than it initially appears, and it's well-maintained with a convenient location near fast food options for meals
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