Editorial: BioPark Changes Key

Albuquerque’s BioPark is one of New Mexico’s premier attractions. In fact, it is the most-visited entertainment destination in the state, with a record 1.2 million visitors in fiscal 2011-2012.

It is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and is a leader in conservation programs. It is involved in the sustainability of 34 endangered and threatened species.

And it’s falling apart behind the scenes, particularly at the 85-year-old zoo.

Mayor Richard Berry wants to stop the degradation of facilities at the BioPark, which includes the zoo, aquarium and botanic garden. He is launching a plan for catching up with an $18 million backlog in repairs and maintenance — leaky roofs, climate control at the ape house and other problems that could jeopardize accreditation and ultimately the quality that makes the zoo so attractive.

New construction will be contracted out and most of the city employees who now work on BioPark construction projects will be reassigned to create a 24-person maintenance crew for the entire park.

To make this work, on Sept. 4 the basic adult admission fee will go up from $7 to $10, which will generate about $1.3 million a year, freeing up money for construction and maintenance. There will be smaller increases for children and seniors, but the $1.50 price for students on field trips will not go up.

Half-off days would be offered four times a year.

The increase will be the first in 10 years for the BioPark. Of the $12 million annual cost to taxpayers to operate the BioPark, only $3.8 million currently comes from ticket revenues.

In the past bond money and private funds have helped bring on new and exciting exhibits. Now it’s time to take care of the taxpayers’ infrastructure investment in the state treasure that the BioPark has become.

This editorial first appeared in the Albuquerque Journal. It was written by members of the editorial board and is unsigned as it represents the opinion of the newspaper rather than the writers.