ABQ BioPark Reopens Renovated BUGarium Exhibit
Albuquerque families can now visit the modernized insectarium, which features updated habitats for over 100 species.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Wildlife
Live Poll
Do you find public insect exhibits interesting and educational to visit?
The ABQ BioPark has reopened its renovated BUGarium exhibit, which now features updated habitats for more than 100 insect and animal species. This refresh follows a closure that began in December 2025 to modernize living spaces for residents like tarantulas and naked mole rats.
Why it matters
The $1.45 million project aims to improve living conditions for its varied inhabitants through better-designed, modular housing. These upgrades allow for more natural behaviors and flexible exhibit rotation, enhancing the experience for local visitors.
The $1.45 million project funded by Gross Receipts Tax and state legislature money updated exhibits for over 100 species. The facility remained closed for renovations starting in December 2025.
The players
ABQ BioPark
An Albuquerque facility housing diverse animal and insect life that frequently updates its educational exhibits.
The details
The renovation project introduced modular tanks and larger exhibit spaces that can be adjusted to mimic burrowing or arboreal environments. Specifically, the Leafcutter Ant habitat was upgraded to include a new foraging chamber and an improved viewing window for guests. These changes allow staff to rotate insects into different spaces, ensuring environmental variety that promotes animal health.
Timeline
December 2025: The BUGarium closed for renovations.
October 30, 2026: The renovated facility officially reopens.
October 31, 2026: City leaders will host a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The Home Front
This project continues the trend of investing municipal Gross Receipts Tax funds into long-term public infrastructure and educational assets. Such capital improvements serve as the primary mechanism for maintaining the city's aging recreational and zoological facilities.
Albuquerque families planning a visit should note that the exhibit is now open to the public for viewing. Residents can look for upcoming event details to participate in the official community ribbon-cutting ceremony held on October 31, 2026.
The takeaway
The BUGarium renovation creates a more flexible and humane living environment for over 100 diverse species through modular design. Families can now visit the updated facility in Albuquerque to see the new ant foraging chambers and improved burrowing habitats.
Further reading
For more information on local fauna and natural habitats, visit the Wildlife section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KRQE 13.
Live Poll
Do you find public insect exhibits interesting and educational to visit?
