Lagunas de Zempoala National Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lagunas de Zempoala National Park |
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IUCN Category II (National Park)
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 Lagunas de Zempoala National Park
Location in Mexico
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| Location | Huitzilac, Morelos / Ocuilan, State of Mexico |
| Nearest city | Mexico City |
| Area | 4,790 hectares (11,800 acres) |
| Established | November 27, 1936 |
| Governing body | Secretariat of the Environment and Natural Resources |
Lagunas de Zempoala National Park is a special protected area in Mexico. It's famous for its group of seven beautiful lakes, also called lagoons. In the ancient Nahuatl language, "Zempoala" means "place of many waters." This name perfectly describes the park! You can find this park between the states of Morelos and the State of Mexico.
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Exploring Zempoala National Park
The Zempoala lagoons are part of a special natural area called the Chichinautzin biological corridor. This park is located between two towns: Ocuilan in the State of Mexico and Huitzilac in Morelos. It's about 50 kilometers (31 miles) away from Mexico City.
The National Park covers a large area, about 4,700 hectares (11,614 acres). It sits high up in the mountains, at about 2,900 meters (9,514 feet) above sea level.
The Seven Lakes
The park is home to seven main lakes: Zempoala, Compila, Tonatihua, Seca, Ocoyotongo, Quila, and Hueyapan. These lakes get their water from rain and from rivers flowing down from the Ajusco mountains nearby.
Not all lakes have water all year round. Three of them – Zempoala, Tonatihua, and Prieta – always have water. The other four lakes are seasonal, meaning they might dry up during certain times of the year.
Plants and Animals
The forests around the park are full of different kinds of trees. You can find tall oaks, cedars, pine trees, and firs here.
The park is also a home for many animals. If you visit, you might spot:
- Mammals like deer, foxes, weasels, rabbits, squirrels, and skunks.
- Birds such as falcons, hummingbirds, and sparrows.
- Amphibians like the amazing Axolotl, a special type of salamander.
History of the Park
The Zempoala lagoons became a national park on November 27, 1936. This happened thanks to President Lázaro Cárdenas. Later, in May 1947, the park's boundaries were changed slightly. This set the park's size to its current 4,700 hectares.
See also
In Spanish: Parque nacional Lagunas de Zempoala para niños
