Attractions

The lush, natural habitat exhibits of the zoo are home to 500 animal species and a world-famous reptile collection. It was named one of the top zoos in America and the No. 1 attraction in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex by the 2004 Zagat Survey U.S. Family Travel Guide.

In 2010, the zoo opened a new 30,000-square-foot herpetological facility, dubbed the Museum of Living Art, which houses more than 4,000 amphibians and reptiles of 260 species in an architecturally stunning building.

An above- and underwater viewing exhibit is home to a colony of African black-footed penguins. Other exhibits include an African savannah with endangered black and white rhinos, giraffes and birds; Asian Falls, where guests stroll along raised a boardwalk to view Sumatran tigers and bears; and World of Primates, which features Great Ape species, monkeys, tropical birds and more.

Don't miss Texas Wild!, an 8-acre exhibit dedicated to the Lone Star State's native flora and fauna, which houses more than 200 native Texas animals.

Open at 10 a.m. daily; seasonal closing times vary. Admission charge. 1989 Colonial Parkway. 817/759-7500. www.fortworthzoo.org.