ZooMAT, the Zoo in Tuxtla Gutierrez, is unique in that it only includes animals that are native to the state of Chiapas.
This Zoo was created in 1942 by Miguel Alvarez de Toro (MAT) for the study and conservation of regional flora. Unlike most zoos, which are built and then exhibits are added, this zoo was built around already existing samples of endangered natural flora. They walled off a section of Tuxtla that contained sought after species, and cultivated them further. Eventually, animals were added; but the only animals there are ones that are indigenous to Chiapas. There are mounted animals on display, as well as an aviary and herpetarium and geological exhibits about Chiapas. Everything in this Zoo is indigenous to Chiapas
