Abilene Zoological Gardens facts for kids
Zoo logo
|
|
Abilene zoo large entrance sign
|
|
| Date opened | 1966 |
|---|---|
| Location | 2070 Zoo Ln Abilene, Texas, United States |
| Land area | 16 acres (6.5 ha) |
| Coordinates | 32°26′10″N 99°41′31″W / 32.4362044°N 99.6918866°W |
| No. of animals | 1100 |
| No. of species | >250 |
| Annual visitors | 224,805(2013) 226,919(2014) |
| Memberships | AZA |
The Abilene Zoological Gardens is a fun, 16-acre (6.5 ha) zoo located in Abilene, Texas. It's home to over 1,000 animals! These animals represent more than 250 different kinds of species. In 2013, over 224,000 people visited the zoo.
The Abilene Zoo is a special member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). It has been accredited since 1985. This means the zoo meets high standards for animal care. Being an AZA member also lets visitors get free or cheaper tickets at many other zoos in America.
The zoo gets most of its money from the City of Abilene. It also gets support from the Abilene Zoological Society.
Contents
Zoo History: A Look Back
The Abilene Zoo first became accredited by the AZA in 1985. This was a big step! It showed the zoo was doing a great job caring for its animals.
In 2006, the zoo got $1.1 million for new projects. This money helped create cool new areas. These included the Creepy Crawly Center and the South American Trails exhibit. They also built the Wetlands Boardwalk and the Elm Creek Backyard exhibit. The giraffe area and parking lot also got bigger.
In 2007, the zoo made some changes to its elephant exhibit. It was turned into a home for black rhinoceroses. Also in 2007, the new Adventure Center opened. This building has visitor services, offices, and classrooms. The Creepy Crawler Center also opened that year.
In 2008, the zoo opened a new exhibit for maned wolves. These unique animals came from a special center in Missouri.
A new white Bengal tiger named Havar arrived in June 2009. He weighed 325 pounds! The Elm Creek Backyard exhibit was also finished in 2009. In 2013, a new area called Caribbean Cove opened. It features amazing birds, reptiles, and mammals from the Caribbean.
The zoo's AZA accreditation was reviewed a few times. By March 2010, it was extended through 2014. In March 2014, the AZA fully granted accreditation again. This showed the zoo continued to meet high standards.
Explore the Exhibits
Giraffe Safari: Feed a Giraffe!
This exciting exhibit lets you get up close with giraffes! There's a bridge that goes over the habitat. From here, visitors can pet and even feed the giraffes. A new, bigger Giraffe Safari exhibit opened in April 2016. It's twice as large as the old one! This new space is home to a male giraffe and two females.
Caribbean Cove: Tropical Fun
Step into Caribbean Cove and see amazing wildlife from South America. You can spot colorful macaws, playful monkeys, and different kinds of amphibians. This area also has a big sand play area for kids. Parents can relax at nearby tables and chairs.
Reptile House: Creepy Crawly Center
The zoo's Reptile House opened in December 2007. It was once part of the Discovery Center. Zoo staff designed and built this exhibit themselves! It has 50 natural-looking habitats. These are home to 80 different kinds of reptiles and amphibians.
Also part of the Discovery Center is the Tropical Aviary. This is an indoor area with controlled temperature. It's where the zoo's tropical birds live. The zoo also has Bird Gardens for other types of birds.
Elm Creek Backyard: Texas Animals
Finished in 2009, this area shows animals native to the Elm Creek area of Texas. You can see cougars, coyotes, porcupines, and raccoons. Other residents include bobcats, ringtails, armadillos, and skunks. Don't miss the river otters! There are also local birds, fish, reptiles, and amphibians.
Wetlands of the Americas: Walk Above the Water
This exhibit features an elevated boardwalk. It lets visitors get a close look at animals that live in wetlands. The different wetland areas are home to many creatures. These include alligators, colorful flamingos, various waterfowl, and even the rare Attwater's prairie chicken.
Nakuru Lagoon: African Birds
Opened in March 2018, this $300,000 project is one of the first things you'll see! It houses beautiful African birds. Look for lesser flamingos and yellow-billed ducks here.
Other Cool Places
The Adventure Center opened in 2007. It's a 12,000-square-foot (1,115 m2) building. Here you'll find admissions, customer service, and a gift shop. It also has offices and classrooms that can hold up to 150 people.
The Zoo's Future
The zoo has exciting plans for the future! They are working on a big "Africa project." This new area will be built on 24 acres (9.7 ha) of land north of the current zoo. It's estimated to cost $20 million!
Construction has already started on a new Giraffe Safari exhibit. This new area will have a large feeding deck. This means guests can interact even more with the giraffes! A male giraffe arrived in October 2014. He will be on exhibit with two females when the new area opens in spring 2016.
Images for kids
-
Zoo's entrance
See Also
