San Antonio, TX
Best time to visit: Visit during the annual Monarch Fest in late March.
The San Antonio Zoo in San Antonio started out as a small collection of only a few species of animals in San Pedro Park in the 1800's. In 1914, renowned citizen Colonel George W. Brackenridge, decided to expand on the idea of a zoo in San Antonio. He deeded land over to the city in what is now known as Brackenridge Park and placed buffalo, deer, elk, monkeys, a pair of lions, and a few bears on the land, there by establishing the San Antonio Zoo.
The San Antonio Zoo has been a leader in zoological innovation. In 1929, they were the first to introduce two open, non-caged exhibits in America, one for bears called the Barless Bear Terraces and another for primates called Primate Paradise. The zoo expanded in 1948 to include the Richard Friedrich Aquarium, at the time considered the world's greatest aquarium. Then again, in 1966, the zoo became one of the first to open a bird house where visitors could admire free flying birds in a man-made, sub-tropical environment. The Hixon Bird House is now home to one of the largest collections of birds.
The zoo staff understands that a zoo should be much more than just a collection of animals; it should be a center for world-renowned research, education, and conservation. This mission of the San Antonio Zoo has made it one of the greatest in the world and home to 750 different species of animals spread out over 56 acres of land, 34 of which are open to the public. The zoo is incredibly popular and welcomes more than 1 million guests annually.
The San Antonio Zoo is home to 750 species of amphibians, mammals, birds, and reptiles. The grounds feature eight enormous exhibits where you can get up close and personal with animals from all over the world. Zoo visitors are encouraged to participate in many animal encounters involving feeding certain animals, and there are plenty of other educational opportunities around the zoo.
Giraffes at the Savanna is a favorite of many people because visitors get to experience feeding a giraffe. This habitat is built to mimic an African oasis, and many other animals are being introduced to this environment in an effort to make it as natural as possible. This oasis is also great for adults to take a break under the shaded canopy in the viewing area.
The Hixon Bird House is a giant circular structure with a large glass dome. Trees, shrubs, a small pond, and other plants comprise this structure that is home to birds such as the thick-billed euphonia, the red-billed leiothrix, and many others. Around the circumference of the building, visitors can engage themselves in many other open air habitats that are home to birds from all parts of the world, from Africa, the American southwest, coastal beaches, and the rain forest of the Amazon to the jungles of Asia and Africa. The Bird House also serves as a quiet area where visitors can escape the loud excitement of the other exhibits.
In the Nature Spot, children five and under will receive a very special zoo experience ledby zoo staff to encourage interaction between the children and small animals. There are seven major areas to the Tiny Tot Nature Spot including Tropical Waters, My Backyard, Monkey/Sloth Hangout, Go Wild, Discovery House, Camp Ground, and River Bank. Children are invited to play in boats, go through mazes, play in a mud kitchen, play on monkey bars, explore the child size aquarium, and dress up like zoo keepers.
With 60 hand painted animals to choose from, the Zootennial Carousel is a beautiful brass attraction children love to ride over and over again. Many of the animals featured on the ride are native to Texas, but there are imaginary animals and exotic ones as well. The carousel sits on an island in the park and is a must do for families.
Monarch Fest happens in the spring and is a dedication to the Monarch Butterflies. The event spans three days and is free with zoo admission. People who participate in the event get to take home milkweed seeds and nectar seeds, and they are able to purchase plants that are beneficial to the lifecycles of butterflies and moths. Patrons also learn about conservation and how to help the monarchs in their migratory path.
San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary's Street, San Antonio, TX 78212-3199, Phone: 210-734-7184, Map
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