Abinader becomes first Dominican president to visit National Zoo in over 20 years

Santo Domingo.- President Luis Abinader visited the National Zoo on Sunday, becoming the first Dominican head of state to tour the facility in more than 20 years, just days before its 51st anniversary. During the visit, he reviewed a series of modernization projects designed to strengthen wildlife conservation, environmental education, scientific research and family recreation.

As part of the proposed expansion, Abinader suggested adding iconic species such as elephants, giraffes and chimpanzees to enrich the visitor experience and enhance conservation programs. He also called for restoring the zoo’s aviary, which has remained closed for more than two decades, upgrading animal habitats, improving assisted breeding and research initiatives, and installing QR-code signage to provide visitors with educational information about each species. The president also proposed creating a theme park within the National Zoo to expand recreational and tourism offerings in Santo Domingo.

Following the zoo tour, Abinader visited the Dr. Rafael María Moscoso National Botanical Garden to inspect the completed first phase and ongoing second phase of its largest renovation since the garden opened. The modernization includes new medical and security facilities, renovated entrances, event spaces and improvements to the popular Japanese Garden. Authorities said additional infrastructure upgrades are planned to further strengthen conservation efforts and improve the overall visitor experience at one of the Dominican Republic’s most important environmental attractions.