The Juan A. Rivero Zoo is the only zoo in Puerto Rico, opened in 1954 on a hilly site at the north edge of the city. The collection runs to around 300 animals — African lions, hippos, several primate species, a strong native-bird section, and a small reptile house. It is not the slickest zoo in the Caribbean, and it was closed for several years after damage from Hurricane María, but it reopened in stages and now operates again.
The grounds are pleasant — mature trees and a small lake — and a couple of hours here is an easy way to spend an afternoon, especially with children. The aviary, focused on Puerto Rican and Caribbean birds, is the best part.