It just might be history that makes New Mexico so enchanting. The state is home to some of the oldest places in the country: the oldest continuously inhabited settlement, the oldest house, the oldest church. Another designation to add to that list? New Mexico is also home to one of the oldest zoos in the Southwest.

Founded in 1898, the Alameda Park Zoo in Alamogordo has staked its claim as the oldest zoo in the Southwest.

It was originally created as a deer park and leisurely entertainment stop for train passengers to stretch and walk as the train refueled.

There is some question about the zoo's claim as the oldest in the Southwest, however.

While it certainly is the oldest in the state, depending on your definition of the United States' southwestern region, zoos in Dallas and Denver may have Alameda Park Zoo beat by just a couple years. However, we prefer the definition of the Southwest as Arizona, New Mexico, and the lower portions of Utah and Colorado, which makes this zoo the oldest of the region.

Over time, this entertainment stop slowly grew and accumulated more animals into a small but fully-fledged zoo.

In the early days, locals donated animals for modest exhibits. Today, however, the zoo covers 12 acres and is home to approximately 200 local and exotic animals.

The animals you'll find living on the zoo grounds are wide and varied.

Local and regional animals housed at the zoo include bobcats, Mexican gray wolves, and tortoises.

Alameda Park Zoo is located in the heart of Alamogordo, at the northeast corner of White Sands Boulevard and 10th Street.

The zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is closed on Christmas and New Year's. For details about special hours, admission rates, and more, be sure to visit the zoo's website or Facebook page.

Address: 1021 North White Sands Boulevard, Alamogordo, NM 88310

Phone: 575-439-4290

Website: ci.alamogordo.nm.us

Facebook: Alameda Park Zoo

Looking forward to a delicious snack after visiting Alameda Park Zoo? If a truly New Mexican frozen treat sounds like something right up your alley, you'll want to stop by Caliche's Frozen Custard for a sundae topped with a unique green chile marmalade. Read more in Caliche’s Frozen Custard In New Mexico Is Home To An Ice Cream Sundae You Won’t Find Anywhere Else.