Austin Zoo – Austin, Texas
Come to the zoo and meet the over 300 animals that live here. Not only is this a zoo but it is also an Animal Sanctuary which allows you to see the animals up close. The mission of the zoo and the sanctuary is to assist animals in need through rescue, rehabilitation and education.
The Austin Zoo started it’s life as a goat ranch. In 1990 it became the Good Day Ranch, which catered to animals in need. The animals at that time consisted of goats, pigs, fallow deer, donkeys and ponies with a few exotics thrown in for good measure. Today the ranch is home to more exotic animals as well as domestic animals that were either rescued from, or unwanted by their owners. Even though the zoo would like to offer shelter and a home to all animals the reality is that they are forced to turn down an average of 200 requests a month to care for additional animals which range from "goats to elephants". It isn’t just those that get an exotic animal and then don’t know what to do with it when it grows up, there are also the "roadside zoos" and the release of older animals from big city zoos to smaller facilities that have the number of animals in need of a safe and secure home multiplying at a rapid rate.
The zoo has the Big Cat family with lions, tigers, jaguars, panthers, leopards, cheetahs and cougars. There are also the monkeys, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and domestic animals. There are also other mammals that live at the zoo and are taken care of by supportive and caring staff.
Hours: Daily 10 – 6 (No admittance after 5) Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. The gift shop closes at 5.
Admission: Children (2-12) $4; Adults – $7; Students (with Student ID) – $5; Military (with Military ID) – $5; Grandparents/Seniors – $5; Animal Good (Goats, Sheep, and Deer) – $1
Annual Membership: Individual – $50; Family for Four – $100; Additional Person – $30
Admission can change without notice. No refunds or rain checks.
Related posts:
About Editor