Animal lovers, rejoice! Everyone loves an afternoon trip to the zoo, but this walk-through safari park is so much more than your average afternoon activity. Just outside of Albuquerque in the town of Edgewood, you'll find an animal-lovers paradise at this "enhanced" zoo and wildlife preserve. Get up close and personal with some of New Mexico's most important fuzzy friends, and feel good knowing that this preserve is home to only non-releasable animals and are receiving the best possible care. For an adorable and educational day, this safari park in Edgewood is an experience you won't soon forget.

Welcome to Wildlife West Nature Park in Edgewood! This safari park is part wildlife preserve, enhanced zoo, and music venue all in one.

Not only is this awesome walk-through safari park a sanctuary for New Mexico's most important animals, but it's also one of the only "zoos" that has been constructed completely by kids.

The owner, Roger Alink, bought this land over 25 years ago to act on his passion for animals and youth empowerment together in one place.

This nature park is more than 120 acres and is home to many non-releasable and migratory animals. Wildlife West is truly in it for our furry friends, and it's evident in everything they do.

Many of the animals at Wildlife West were injured and had nowhere else to go. This nature park built them special habitats to recover.

As you walk through this safari park, you'll get as close to the animals natural habitats as ever. This is so much more than your typical zoo.

Wildlife West provides educational programs for people of all ages, too. Whether you'd like to go on some official bird-watching or want to join in on a special event, there's something here for everyone.

Besides being the perfect place to get up-close with our favorite animals, this safari park is extremely affordable. Kids under age five are free, and all other admission is only $9.

Last but not least, this nature park serves as an entertainment area! You can find bands playing at the amphitheater and barn, rain or shine.

For the animal lover and casual observer alike, this caring nature park is the perfect way to spend a day in Edgewood.

Address: 87 North Frontage Road, Edgewood, NM 87015Hours: 10 a.m to 6 p.m. daily

For more information about Wildlife West Nature Park, you can check out their website right here.

Have you ever been to this incredible safari park in Edgewood? What was it like? Let us hear all about your experience in the comments, and be sure to share your photos from your outings in our New Mexico Nature Lovers Facebook group, or tag us on Instagram at #onlyinnewmexico to see your photos featured!

For another awesome wildlife experience, check out this peaceful refuge site in Roswell that's the perfect place to sit and watch wildlife roam.