Ukumari Biopark in Pereira, western Colombia, is urging people to return as it works to recover visitor numbers following an earthquake that disrupted tourism in the region in August. Manager Raul Murillo Betancur says the park no longer needs food donations or large quantities of supplies. Its immediate priority is attracting visitors whose ticket purchases help fund the daily care of its animals.
“We aren’t asking for donations or large quantities of food — nothing like that — just for people to come,” Murillo said in an interview with La Patria published in October. He said attendance has gradually recovered since the earthquake but remains below its pre-disaster level.
The appeal marks a change from the emergency campaign launched in August, when the biopark sought food, supplies and other assistance after a sharp drop in visitors put pressure on its operating budget. The current message is simpler: people can support the facility by visiting it.
How did the earthquake affect the biopark?
An earthquake struck Colombia on Aug. 10, 2026, with its epicenter in the department of Choco. The tremor affected the Coffee Region, including Pereira, where Ukumari temporarily closed while its facilities underwent safety inspections.
The biopark reopened on Tuesday, Aug. 18, after inspections found no significant structural damage. However, attendance fell by more than half, according to reports published in August. Some outlets reported a decline of more than 60%, so the exact reduction varies by source.
The drop matters because Ukumari cares for more than 400 animals representing about 90 species, and visitor revenue helps cover the cost of their care. Reports from August said the park’s large animals consume more than 2.5 metric tons of grass, fruit, carrots and prepared feed each day. The figure gives a sense of the scale of the operation and the recurring expenses involved.
Murillo’s October comments indicate that the park has begun to recover, but visitor numbers have not yet returned to their earlier level. The latest appeal therefore focuses on sustaining that recovery rather than repeating the emergency request for donated food.
What can visitors see at Ukumari?
Located in Pereira, the capital of Risaralda, Ukumari combines animal habitats with environmental education and conservation activities. Its routes include Sabana Africana, Matecana and Bosques Andinos, offering visitors different habitats and opportunities to learn about wildlife.
The African savanna area includes species such as elephants, white rhinoceroses, hippos, giraffes and meerkats. Other areas feature animals associated with Colombia’s ecosystems, including spectacled bears and jaguars. The biopark presents these habitats as part of a broader effort to connect visitors with wildlife and conservation.
For people traveling through the Coffee Region, a visit to Ukumari can be part of a wider itinerary around Pereira and its surrounding destinations. Buying a ticket also provides direct support for the facility as it tries to rebuild attendance.
How can people support Ukumari?
The most direct option is to visit and buy an admission ticket. According to the biopark’s official website, admission costs 57,000 Colombian pesos (about US$14) for adults aged 13 to 59, and 40,000 Colombian pesos (about US$10) for children aged 2 to 12 and adults over 60. Children under 2 enter free. Visitors should check the website before traveling in case prices change.
Ukumari is open every day, with entry from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Visitors can remain on the grounds until 4:30 p.m. Tickets and updated visitor information are available through the official Ukumari website.
The biopark has also promoted its Guardian del Santuario membership program for people who want to contribute beyond a single visit. The program offers membership levels named after animals, including the suricata, bear and jaguar. Prospective members should check the current prices, benefits and conditions with the park before purchasing.
Ukumari’s appeal is part of a wider challenge facing tourism in areas affected by the earthquake. As the region works to bring travelers back, renewed visits to attractions such as the biopark can help restore tourism activity while providing revenue for local businesses. For Ukumari, that recovery also means bringing more people through its gates to help sustain the care of hundreds of animals.