Ellen Trout Zoo facts for kids
The Angelina County Lumber Company Engine #110, on exhibit at the zoo.
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| Date opened | June 17, 1967 |
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| Location | Lufkin, Texas |
| Land area | 15 acres (6.1 ha) pecies |
| Coordinates | 31°22′31″N 94°43′38″W / 31.3752937°N 94.7271037°W |
| No. of animals | 700 |
| Annual visitors | 150,000 |
| Memberships | AZA |
The Ellen Trout Zoo is a cool place to visit in Lufkin, Texas, United States. It was started by Walter Trout in 1967. About 150,000 people visit the zoo each year. The City of Lufkin owns and runs the zoo. A group called Friends of Ellen Trout Zoo (F.O.E.T.Z.) helps by raising money for new projects.
The Ellen Trout Zoo is approved by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). This means it meets high standards for animal care. The zoo also helps protect animals through special programs. These are called Species Survival Plans (SSP). They help animals like rhinos, Bali mynah birds, and cotton-top tamarin monkeys.
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Zoo History
The Ellen Trout Zoo has an interesting story! It all began in 1965. Walter Trout received a huge Christmas gift: a 500-pound hippopotamus! This hippo was named Hippie.
How the Zoo Started
Hippie the hippo stayed at another zoo in Louisiana at first. This was until her own special home was ready. Her new home was finished about a year and a half later. The entire zoo was built around this hippo pen. The Ellen Trout Zoo officially opened on June 17, 1967. The zoo was named after Walter Trout's mother.
Zoo Improvements
Since 1989, the Lufkin Kiwanis Club has helped the zoo a lot. They have worked on many projects. They have given over 3,200 hours of their time. They also donated $35,000 worth of materials.
In 1999, new homes for Maasai giraffes and white rhinoceroses opened. In 2002, a new Nile hippopotamus exhibit opened. Visitors can watch the hippos both above and below the water! Hippie's old home is now a pretty Koi pond.
Important Lessons
In 2007, a hippo named Pancho sadly passed away. This happened after he swallowed something that was not food. This event reminds us how important it is to keep animals safe. Please never throw anything into animal enclosures. It can be very dangerous for them.
Amazing Animals
The zoo is home to about 700 animals! It helps protect nearly 50 different species. Many of these are part of the Species Survival Plan. This plan helps make sure these animals don't disappear.
Animals You Can See
When you visit, you might see many cool animals. These include DeBrazza's monkeys and kestrel birds. You can also see Russell's viper snakes and powerful jaguars. Look for Jamaican fruit bats and giant Galapagos tortoises.
Other animals include the Fly River turtle and the bontebok. There are also sulcata tortoises and ruddy ducks. You might spot a Malayan tapir or a wise spectacled owl. Don't miss the colorful Chilean flamingos and toco toucans.
The zoo also has saki monkeys and tiny cotton-top tamarins. You can see American alligators and playful North American river otters. Of course, there are hippopotamuses and beautiful Bali mynah birds. Look for the secretive clouded leopard and tall Maasai giraffes. Finally, you can see the impressive southern white rhinoceros.
Learning at the Zoo
The Ellen Trout Zoo offers many fun ways to learn! They started educational programs for schools in 1977.
School Programs
One popular program is "Wildlife on Wheels." This program brings animals and lessons to classrooms. Elementary students learn about endangered species. They also learn about how animals adapt and different animal groups. They even learn about rainforests! The zoo also has programs for students who visit the zoo itself.
Workshops and Internships
Teachers can attend special workshops at the zoo. University students can get internships. These help them learn more about working with animals. The zoo also provides extra learning materials for school lessons.
Summer Fun
During the summer, kids can join special programs. The Junior Zookeeper program is for students in seventh, eighth, and ninth grades. These kids get to work directly with the zookeepers! There is also a fun Zoo Safari program.
