Nearly two years after its complete closure and despite recently regaining provincial approval, La Plata Biopark – a former zoo and botanical garden – continues to exist with no set reopening date. In this context, in a space permeated by debate and controversy, the question of reopening has become, over time, a persistent doubt among the people of La Plata. However, the answer is not simple: the property is undergoing a profound transformation that goes beyond the building and redefines its function, its objectives and the type of animals it will house in the future.
The space in the heart of the forest looks back on 118 years of history. Founded in 1907, the zoo operated as a traditional zoo for more than a century until it closed its doors to the public in 2018 following the death of “Pelusa,” the Asian elephant that had become one of its landmarks. “After this event, it was decided to close the public and during 2019 access to visitors was stopped, both to the general public and to schools and gardens,” explained María Manuela López, veterinarian and director of the La Plata Biopark.
After the closure, a municipal ordinance in 2020 decreed that the property was no longer officially a zoo and was renamed Bioparque La Plata. “It was not just a change of name, but also a change of goals,” explained López.
As outlined above, the shift involved moving away from the traditional exhibition model and focusing on protecting wildlife, particularly native fauna, developing conservation projects and strengthening environmental education. “We started thinking about working with animals in our country that are at risk of extinction and explaining that wild animals are not pets,” he said.
In the new stage it only received schools in mid-2023.
Conflicts and Provincial Support
Likewise, in the same year, the biopark lost the provincial authorization from the Buenos Aires Provincial Directorate of Flora and Fauna, an agency of the Ministry of Agricultural Development that regulates this type of institutions.
The measure had immediate consequences: The area not only remained closed to the public, but was also unable to accommodate injured wild animals or those from illegal trade. “The loss of the permit meant that the public could not have access, but neither could animals that needed rescue or veterinary care,” López explained, explaining that this situation limited key functions of the space, such as education and conservation.
The recovery process took shape over the course of 2024. After an inspection carried out on November 20 of the same year, the Directorate of Flora and Fauna re-issued the provincial permit on January 3, 2025 by re-registering the biopark in the Provincial Register of Zoological Parks in accordance with Law No. 12,238.
During this period, infrastructure work, building improvements, sanitation work and adaptations were carried out in the facilities. Among other things, the spaces for spider monkeys and the sacred baboons were expanded, vasectomies were carried out on the axis deer to stop their reproduction – an important requirement as they are an invasive exotic species – and work was carried out to clean up the stream that runs through the 17 hectare property.
“The release is a fundamental step, but it does not mean an automatic opening,” warned the director. With this support, the biopark rejoined the Provincial Wildlife Rescue Network and assumed one of its central functions. Based on this work, veterinarians, biologists and nurses intervene in the recovery of birds and mammals, with the aim of reintegrating them into their natural habitat when conditions permit.
what animals are there?
It currently houses around 200 animals. Native species include Carayá and Caí monkeys, flamingos, tamandúas (honey bears), pumas (two females), foxes, wild cats and river wolves. There are also birds such as condors and various species of macaws.
Of the exotic animals, the hippopotamus “Hipolito”, around 50 axis deer and the 48-year-old chimpanzee “Tomy” remain. Regarding the latter, López made it clear: “His transfer is not planned. He was raised by people, he has a strong bond with his carers and a move would represent a risk to his well-being.” For this reason, “Tomy” will be the only exotic animal remaining on the property.
However, the rest of the exotic animals are relocated to sanctuaries or facilities with more space and appropriate conditions.
a space in transition
Although state approval has already been regained, the biopark remains closed to the public. The opening, as López explained, will be the final step of the process. “First we have to complete the relocation of the exotic animals. Only then can we move forward with opening it to the public,” he said.
The idea is that in this case the property will once again welcome neighbors, schools and gardens, but according to a different logic than that of a “zoo”.
Guided tours, environmental education workshops and scientific activities are part of the future project for this historic space.
““We started thinking about working with animals in our country that are at risk of extinction and explaining that wild animals are not pets.”
María Manuela López Director of the Biopark
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