Abilene Zoo | Abilene

The Abilene Zoo is a popular family-friendly destination in Abilene, Texas, known for its diverse collection of animals, engaging exhibits, and community-focused events. Situated on 16 acres, it serves as both a local and regional attraction, providing educational opportunities about wildlife and conservation.

History and Overview

The Abilene Zoo was founded in 1966 and is home to more than 800 animals from over 175 species. It is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), an organization that sets the standards for animal care, education, and conservation. The zoo is operated by the City of Abilene and supported by the Abilene Zoological Society, a nonprofit group dedicated to promoting the zoo and assisting with its programs.

Over the years, the zoo has seen significant growth, both in terms of the number of animals it houses and the quality of its exhibits. A current major initiative, called A Bold Adventure, focuses on expanding the zoo's infrastructure, introducing new habitats for animals, and improving educational and visitor facilities.

Location

The zoo is located at 2070 Zoo Lane in Abilene, Texas, near other local attractions and easy access to the city's major roadways. This prime location makes it a convenient destination for families and tourists visiting the area.

Hours of Operation

Open Daily: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Last Admission: 4:00 PM

The zoo is closed on major holidays, including Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.

The zoo also offers special activities like carousel rides, train rides, and giraffe feeding from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. These activities are an added bonus to a typical zoo visit and offer visitors a chance to get closer to the animals.

Admission Fees

Adults: $10.00

Children (2-12 years): $7.00

Seniors (60+), Military, and First Responders: $9.00

ZooMore Pass: Includes full zoo admission and special experiences like carousel rides, train rides, and giraffe feeding.

Adults: $18.99

Children: $15.99

Seniors: $17.99

Members: $5.99

Exhibits and Attractions

The Abilene Zoo houses a variety of exhibits that feature animals from different parts of the world. Some of the most popular exhibits include:

Giraffe Safari: This expansive exhibit focuses on African wildlife, showcasing giraffes, zebras, hyenas, rhinos, and more. Visitors can observe the giraffes up close and even feed them in designated feeding areas, making this one of the zoo's most interactive experiences.

Caribbean Cove: Aimed at children and families, this exhibit brings the colorful wildlife of South America to life. Here, you can see playful monkeys, vibrant macaws, and other exotic species. The area also features a sandy play zone for children, allowing them to enjoy a hands-on experience.

Reptile House: A dedicated space for more than 80 species of reptiles and amphibians. The Reptile House includes naturalistic exhibits for snakes, lizards, frogs, and turtles. It’s an educational space for visitors interested in these fascinating creatures.

African Lion Exhibit: A focal point for those interested in big cats, the African lion exhibit gives visitors a chance to view these majestic predators up close, housed in a spacious and naturalistic environment.

Adventure Center: This 12,000 square-foot facility houses admissions, classrooms, a gift shop, and other visitor amenities. It is designed to offer a more immersive experience for those visiting with an interest in education and conservation.

Children’s Play Area: A large outdoor space dedicated to younger visitors, including educational play structures, interactive exhibits, and animal-themed playground equipment.

A Bold Adventure Expansion Project

The zoo is currently undergoing an ambitious expansion project called A Bold Adventure, which is designed to improve the zoo’s facilities, enhance animal habitats, and introduce new exhibits. This project will bring exciting new experiences for visitors, including:

New animal exhibits with a focus on wildlife conservation.

Enhanced visitor amenities and educational spaces.

More interactive and immersive areas for children and families.

This expansion is set to provide an even more dynamic and enriching experience for future visitors, building on the zoo’s commitment to animal care and environmental education.

Special Events and Programs

The Abilene Zoo offers a variety of special events throughout the year, designed to engage the community and raise awareness for wildlife conservation. Some upcoming and annual events include:

Zoolute: A military appreciation event held on May 17, 2025, that offers free admission for military personnel and their families. It’s an opportunity for the community to honor those who serve and their families.

Zoobilation Gala: An annual fundraising event, scheduled for April 26, 2025, that gives guests a chance to enjoy a night with close animal encounters, dinner, and live entertainment. Funds raised go toward supporting the zoo’s educational programs and animal care.

Summer Camps: The zoo offers summer camps for children, providing educational and fun experiences about animals, conservation, and the environment.

Educational Programs and Outreach

The zoo is dedicated to promoting education and conservation through a variety of programs:

School Programs: The zoo offers field trips and educational programs tailored to students of all ages, from elementary school to high school. These programs focus on topics like biodiversity, ecology, and animal conservation.

Wildlife Conservation: The zoo participates in various conservation efforts and often collaborates with other zoos and wildlife organizations to protect endangered species.

Animal Encounters: For a more hands-on experience, visitors can participate in animal encounters, where they can meet some of the zoo’s animals up close and learn more about their care and conservation efforts.

Whether you're visiting for a day of family fun, an educational experience, or to support wildlife conservation, the Abilene Zoo offers something for everyone. It’s an important cultural and educational asset in the region, dedicated to the care and preservation of animals while offering the community a place to connect with nature.