Rio BioPark welcomes alpacas and opens name vote

Two alpacas have arrived at Rio’s BioParque, and visitors can vote on their names from Jan 15–22 onsite and on Instagram.

The male-and-female pair arrived on December 17 and can now be seen in their new enclosure at the Farm Area (Fazendinha), inside the Quinta da Boa Vista zoo. Since day one, the park’s veterinary and animal-care teams have monitored their adjustment closely, with preventive handling and physical evaluations.

Before meeting the public, the alpacas underwent complementary exams, including ultrasounds, bloodwork for a clinical check-up (CBC and biochemical profile), and parasite screening. With the full protocol completed, the pair was cleared and is now calmly exploring the space prepared for them.

How to vote on the alpacas’ names

The newcomers also come with an interactive twist. The public can choose the alpacas’ names through a vote running from January 15 to 22, using a QR code available at the park or via BioParque do Rio’s Instagram: @bioparquedorio.

The shortlist plays with pop culture, Brazilian food references, TV nods, and iconic travel destinations—an easy way to connect visitors with the animals while keeping the Andean roots of the species in mind.

Name options and references

Virginia and Vini Jr – A reference to one of the most talked-about couples of the moment.

Coffee and Milk – A classic everyday duo, familiar across generations.

Lilo & Stitch – Characters from Disney’s iconic film.

Mirna and Profeta – The famous couple’s names from the series “Donos do Jogo”.

Machu and Picchu – Inspired by a world-famous destination and aligned with the alpaca’s Andean origins.

Andean origins, gentle temperament

Native to the Andean regions of South America—especially Peru, Bolivia, and Chile—alpacas are known for their gentle temperament and curiosity. For centuries, they have been closely linked to traditional communities that live alongside the species.

At BioParque do Rio, the pair joins the Farm Area in a setup designed to meet the species’ needs and support a smooth adaptation to the new environment.

Axolotl Kingdom remains a crowd favorite

Beyond the alpacas, BioParque do Rio also features the “Axolotl Kingdom,” a dedicated space for one of the planet’s most unusual animals. Native to Mexico and surrounded by ancestral myths, the axolotl is presented in an environment inspired by Día de Muertos and the canals of Xochimilco.

The exhibit highlights the animal’s story and conservation challenges. The species is famous for retaining larval traits into adulthood. The axolotls arrived after a 2022 seizure by Brazil’s Federal Highway Police, in a case linked to wildlife trafficking.

After the rescue, they were housed at Bioparque Pantanal, where they reproduced. In May 2025, the group was transferred to Rio de Janeiro with technical support from AquaRio.

What to see during your visit

Located at Quinta da Boa Vista, the zoo is home to about 650 animals from 124 species across 56 enclosures. Along the route, visitors can spot Simba the lion, Tim and Bocão the hippos, and Baloo the spectacled bear.

The park also offers educational areas, interactive children’s attractions, food options, a souvenir shop, on-site parking, and a zip line (charged separately).

Service info

BioParque do Rio

Hours: open daily through the end of January

Address: Parque da Quinta da Boa Vista, s/n, São Cristóvão, Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Tickets: available on BioParque do Rio’s official website

Photo: Divulgação