From showing animals for profit to protecting them: the reinvention of Buenos Aires zoo

An ecopark that treats injured wild animals from all over Argentina and the largest biobank in South America has the support of the public and conservationists

A mara, stretched out under the shade of a huge ombu tree, greets you at the entrance to the Buenos Aires Eco-park. It's just one of dozens of the hare-like rodents that roam the grounds of the former city zoo.

Today, only a few legacy animals" remain in Buenos Aires, those hard to relocate due to their age. These include two hippos, which wallow in a new enclosure; a pair of geriatric giraffes; two aged elephants, which have regular podiatry sessions; and an arthritic camel, which receives acupuncture and magnet therapy five times a week.