Ukumari Biopark Urges Visitors to Return After Colombia Earthquake
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 […]
The Ukumari Biopark in Pereira, western Colombia, is urging visitors to return after an earthquake that took place on Aug. 10, 2026. The earthquake, which had its epicenter in the department of Choco, led to a significant decline in tourism, causing the park to temporarily close for safety inspections. Manager Raul Murillo Betancur stated that the park no longer requires food donations or substantial supplies, but rather the return of visitors whose ticket purchases contribute to the daily care of its animals.
Since the earthquake, attendance has gradually recovered, though it remains below pre-disaster levels. This appeal signifies a shift from the initial emergency campaign, which sought various forms of assistance following the sharp drop in visitors and subsequent impact on the park's operating budget. The earthquake affected the Coffee Region, where Ukumari is located, and the facility underwent safety inspections following its reopening on Aug.
18, 2026. Despite being found structurally sound, visitor numbers were severely impacted, with some reports indicating a decline of over 60%. The biopark houses more than 400 animals of around 90 species, and visitor revenue is crucial for covering the daily costs of their sustenance, with large animals consuming over 2.5 metric tons of food each day.
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