Parque de las Leyendas

The Parque de las Leyendas, officially the Dr. Felipe Benavides Barreda Park of Legends, is a prominent zoo and cultural institution situated in Lima, Peru. Located in the San Miguel District, it is managed by the Metropolitan Municipality of Lima (MML) and stands as the capital's most influential and frequently visited zoo. Beyond its zoological attractions, the park integrates recreational and entertainment facilities, archaeological museums, and a botanical garden, offering a multifaceted experience.

History and Development

The park was established in 1964 in the Pando area of San Miguel by the distinguished conservationist Felipe Benavides Barreda during the presidency of Fernando Belaúnde Terry. Initially named "Las Leyendas," its name later officially became "Parque de las Leyendas "Dr. Felipe Benavides Barreda." The name is inspired by Inca and pre-Inca legends, which were once visually represented by illustrations at the entrance. These artistic depictions were later removed, but the narrative elements are preserved in the "Patio de Leyendas" (Courtyard of Legends) within the Cultural Park.

A significant event in the park's history occurred in 1970 when the Barranco Zoo was permanently closed, and its animals were transferred to Parque de las Leyendas. Among these relocated animals were long-term residents like Naylamp, a female Tumbes crocodile, and Sansón and Job, two Galápagos tortoises, all of whom had arrived at the zoo in 1963.

For many years, the park operated under the administration of the central government through various bodies such as PARNAZ and SERPAR, and later under different ministries. However, by the late 2000s, administration was officially transferred to the Metropolitan Municipality of Lima through Law No. 28998 of 2007.

Huachipa Branch

In 2023, Parque de las Leyendas expanded its operations with the acquisition of the Huachipa Recreational Ecological Centre in the Ate District, which now functions as a branch of the park. This site, formerly known as Huachipa Zoo, reportedly housed over 2,000 animals and had a significant visitor capacity prior to its acquisition. The Huachipa branch also features Peru's largest aquarium, inaugurated in July 2016.

The Huachipa Zoo was originally inaugurated in December 1998 and opened to the public in February 1999. It was recognized in 2015 as one of the best zoos by American television network Telemundo and was the only zoo in Peru affiliated with the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums at that time. The facility has faced challenges, including flooding in 2015 and temporary closures due to safety inspections in 2019. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the zoo implemented virtual tours and had to reopen to a limited public to secure funds for animal food.