Unique zoological park features animals living in open exhibits surrounded by
natural flowing waterways. It contains more than 1,390 specimens representing
about 360 species, 43 of which are listed as endangered. Vegetation throughout
the zoo is comprised of more than 250 species and subspecies of tropical and
Neotropical plants.
The zoo is divided into sections. Tropical America is where visitors will see
jaguars, Galapagos tortoises, macaws, Caribbean flamingos, spider monkeys and
Cuban crocodiles. Indo-Australia features orangutans, grey kangaroos,
kookaburras, agile wallabys and black swans. Asia has tigers, gaurs,
Przewalski's horse, pileated gibbons, Indian blue peafowl and Bactrian camels.
Africa includes reticulated giraffes, African elephants, Grant's zebras, African
lions, western lowland gorillas, chimpanzees and one of the rarest antelopes in
the world—the Jentink's duiker.
A Children's Zoo and Nursery features a contact yard, allowing visitors to
interact with Nigerian dwarf goats, miniature mules and domestic chickens.
The Herpetarium and Aquatic Wing contains a large collection of lizards,
turtles, snakes, gila monsters and some rare crocodilians, along with both
freshwater and saltwater fish from around the world, with an emphasis on the
Texas Gulf Coast area.
Other exhibits include a free-flight aviary, bear grottos and a California
sea lion exhibit.
This is one of the top-rated zoos in the country. Strollers, wheelchairs and
wagons are available for rent at the Zoofari Gift Shop. All facilities are
accessible by wheelchair. Open at 9 a.m. daily Admission charge. Ringgold and
Sixth streets. 956/546-2177, 956/546-7187. www.gpz.org.