San Antonio Zoo is Roaring

Each year, families caravan to one of the city’s most exotic places. A place where colorful birds fly overhead, tropical blooms line the pathways, and the sounds of the jungle are better than any movie theater effect you’ll ever hear.

The place – the San Antonio Zoo. For more than 90 years, the zoo has strived to create a fun, friendly and adventurous environment for its visitors. The 56-acre zoo is home to over 3,500 animals, representing 600 species.

San Antonio Zoo Exhibits

Home to over 3,500 animals from all over the world, this zoo is sure to be a hit with animal lovers of all ages! The zoo features several permanent exhibits that are guaranteed to entertain and educate visitors.

1. African Plains

This exhibit showcases a variety of African wildlife, including giraffes, zebras, rhinos, and more. Kids will love watching these majestic animals up close and learning about the unique adaptations they have developed to survive in their native environment.

2. Sea Lion Show

This show is a must-see! Kids will be captivated by the playful and talented sea lions as they perform amazing tricks and stunts.

3. Australian Outback

Kids will love exploring this exhibit, which features kangaroos, emus, koalas, and more. It’s a great opportunity for kids to learn about the diverse wildlife of Australia.

4. Reptile House

From snakes and lizards to turtles and alligators, kids can observe a variety of reptiles up close and learn about their unique behaviors and adaptations. . Kids will love getting up close and personal with some of their favorite animals while learning more about them through interactive displays.

5. Aquatic Adventure

This exhibit features a variety of aquatic animals, including penguins, seals, and otters. Kids can watch these animals interact with each other and learn about how they live in their aquatic environment.

6. Bird House

Kids can observe a variety of birds from around the world in this interactive exhibit. From toucans to parrots, kids will love learning about the unique behaviors and characteristics of these fascinating creatures.

7. Primates

Kids can observe primates in their natural habitat and learn about the unique adaptations they have developed to survive.

8. Butterfly House

Kids can explore the fascinating world of butterflies in this interactive exhibit. They’ll get to observe these delicate creatures as they flutter around.

9. Safari Train

Kids can take a ride on the Safari Train and observe a variety of animals, including rhinos, zebras, and more.

10. Children’s Zoo

This interactive exhibit allows kids to get up close and personal with a variety of animals, from goats and sheep to bunnies and pigs. Kids can even feed some of the animals.

The San Antonio Zoo is an amazing place for kids to explore and discover the wonders of nature. With its wide variety of exhibits, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Kids will be mesmerized by the African Plains, captivated by the Sea Lion Show, and amazed by the array of birds and reptiles in the Bird House and Reptile House.

They can explore the Australian Outback, observe primates in their natural habitat, and get up close and personal with a variety of animals in the Children’s Zoo. Kids can also learn about the fascinating world of butterflies in the Butterfly House, and take a ride on the Safari Train. All of these exhibits provide an unforgettable experience for kids to learn about and explore the amazing animals of the world.

Visionary

Back in 1914, San Antonio Express-News founder Colonel George W. Brackenridge decided to place a small collection of animals in Brackenridge Park. He later gave the land over to the city and entrusted them with continuing the project.

From its humble beginnings, the zoo has transformed into a multi-national haven for hundreds of birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals. Today, the zoo prides itself on creating a lively learning environment for children and adults. Their hope is to not only educate visitors about wildlife but about the animals’ origins and current status in nature.

From Africa to Amazonia

One of their newest exhibits that entertain and educate is “Africa Live!” where visitors can escape into a land where hippos, crocodiles and cobras rule. The entire setting engulfs visitors in Africa’s wildlife, even giving them a close up look at native fish, like cichlids, through underwater viewing windows.

The multi-million dollar exhibit also features mongoose, small primates, Agama lizards, African hunting dogs and more. Visitors can also follow a flowing stream, which will lead them to a grand waterfall.

“TOADally” is another of the zoo’s striking exhibits. It was created in an effort to raise awareness of endangered amphibians. Neon colored frogs, toads and slick salamanders are just a few of the creatures featured, all of which are nearing extinction.

But the zoo is not just for animal lovers, their “Amazonia” section is encompassed by lush tropical foliage, including orchids and bromeliads. Some of the exhibit’s residents are cats, real big cats, such as the jaguar and the ocelot. White-faced saki monkeys, armadillos, bats, fish, and birds like the giant Andean condor can also be seen.

The zoo makes for a great afternoon adventure for animal lovers of all ages.

Where to Learn More

Visitors can see (and smell) all the wonders of nature 365 days a year. Visit www.sazoo-aq.org, to find out seasonal hours of operation. The zoo is located in Brackenridge Park, at 3903 N. St. Mary’s Street in San Antonio, Texas.