Embedded in the edge of the Huentitan Gorge, is the Guadalajara Zoo, which opened its doors on March 25th, 1988 and ever since that moment, it has been fulfilling the mission for which it was created: to promote the conservation of nature through recreational and educational activities which are designed to achieve a greater family interaction among the general public and to make them more aware of the necessity of the protection of our environment. The Zoo is located in one of the most beautiful natural areas of the city, and it forms part of the recreational complex made up of the Natural Park of Huentitán, the “Severo Diaz” Planetarium, the Selva Mágica Amusement Park, and of course, the Guadalajara Zoo. The actual zoo is comprised of 100 developed acres, in which the natural topography of the land was completely left undisturbed, as well as all existing native trees and plants. The proof of this can be seen in the 70 meter difference in levels while walking the uneven landscape from the main entrance to the farthest point of the park. In addition, the zoo has an ecological reserve of 280 hectares in the beautiful Huentitan Gorge.