Colombia's Cali Zoo home to many animals of over 230 species

CALI, COLOMBIA - JUNE 15: Cali Zoo in Colombia is home to around many animals of over 230 species, among amphibians, mammals, reptiles, birds, fish and butterflies. The zoo, located within the municipal forest and on the bank of the Cali River, encourages and executes several research programs to help protect Colombia's biodiversity and create environmental awareness. Maria Clara Dominguez, the Director of the Cali Zoo Foundation, said told about the establishment of the zoo, its architecture, its works and what should be known about it. "The Cali Zoo opened its doors in 1970 for the Pan American Games. It is a zoo designed by an American architect with the aim of having a world-class zoo in Cali," she said. On the park's international accreditation, she said the park is accredited by the Association of American Zoos and by the Latin American Association of Zoological Parks. And she added that: "It is a zoo that works on the well-being of the animals that we have in our care. Right now, the park has 1,300 animals including mammals, amphibians and reptiles. We also have 250 amphibians. We have had an amphibian conservation project for 15 years." On the education and research programs to help preserve Colombian biodiversity, she said: "Colombia is a country with high biodiversity. Fortunately, this country does not have many zoos. Zoos in the world today are highly questioned. The new generations do not want to see animals locked up and they are absolutely right. Therefore, the role that good zoos must play is how important it is that the animals under our care have all the psychological, physical and health characteristics.” (Footage by Juan Sebastian Arias /Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)