Last updated: 10/20/2016
Abilene, Texas
Street Address
2070 Zoo LaneAbilene, TX 79602
Mailing Address
PO Box 60Abilene, TX 79604
phone: 325-676-6085
e-mail: abilene.zoo@abilenetx.com
web: abilenezoo.org

Hours

Daily
9 AM - 5 PM
Gates close at 4 pm
Summers
Sunday - Wednesday, Friday - Saturday
9 AM - 5 PM
Thursday
9 AM - 9 PM
Gates closing at 8 p.m.on Thursday. Gates closing at 4 p.m. other days.

Admissions

Adults: $7
Seniors: $6
Children (2 and older): $4
Children under 2: Free

Museum Type(s)

Zoo

Staff

Bill Gersonde
phone: 325-676-6085
John Black
phone: 325-676-6085
Kelly Thompson
phone: 325-676-6085
Linda Camacho
phone: 325-676-6085
Description

Since its founding in 1966, the Abilene Zoo has stood as a place of learning an adventure. Open daily year-round, the lushly landscaped 16-acre park is home to more than 1,000 animals of more than 270 species. The new Giraffe Safari area includes a slate of African species, including the zoo's mascots: a herd of giraffe, which guests can hand-feed from a large raised deck. The Abilene Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, maintaining that level of excellence for more than 25 years.

Mission

The Abilene Zoo is a place of learning and adventure, where families make memories, share the joy of discovery and become inspired to preserve wildlife.

History

The city of Abilene first opened a zoo in 1921, but the community got serious about running a fully accredited zoo when it opened an award-winning facility in Grover Nelson Park in July 1966. One of the zoo's highlights was the Highneck bridge, where guests handfed giraffe.

Artifact Collections

The zoo has more than 1,000 animals from 270 species from around the globe, including sections featuring animals from the Wetlands, North American plains, South America and the Caribbean, as well as Africa. The zoo's horticulture department maintains gardens to attract pollinators and create healthful habitats for animals and humans!

Research Collections

The Abilene Zoo participates in more than 30 Species Survival Plans, maintaining healthy genetic populations for vulnerable species. It's Coqui frog breeding program is setting the stage for future conservation efforts for that species, while our animal staff and vet staff participate in worldwide scientific research about many of the zoo's species, especially those from endangered populations.

Educational Programs

The zoo's education department offers an annual calendar of classes and camps, evening events, parties and the popular Zoo Teen summer volunteer program.

Facilities

The zoo has several rooms and buildings available for rent, including indoor classrooms and an outdoor pavilion.

Lecture Halls
Governance

The Abilene Zoo is a partnership between the City of Abilene and the Abilene Zoological Society, a 501(c)(3) organization.

Publications

The zoo publishes a quarterly Zoo News magazine, as well as a monthly Critters' Corner e-letter to members. It's annual report is available to members at an annual business meeting each fall.

Zoo News
Critters' Corner
Services

Zoo Store and Watering Hole concessions; Giraffe Encounters, Safari Express train tours, Wildlife Carousel, Zoo Keeper Chats, fish feeding; mining sluice; wagons and wheelchairs for rent. VIP tours by reservation.

Gift Shop
Special Event Rental
Group Tours
ADA

The Abilene Zoo is ADA friendly.

Wheelchair Accessible
Restrooms
Exhibitions
Museum Events
DISCLAIMER
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MUSEUM CONFERENCES

Museum Trustee Association Spring Forum 2024

April 10 - 14, 2024

Atlanta, Georgia

Texas Association of Museums 2024 Lubock Annual Conference

April 14 - 17, 2024

Lubbock, Texas

2024 Colorado-Wyoming ANNUAL MEETING

May 1 - 4, 2024

Worland, Wyoming

West Virginia Association of Museums 2024 Conference

June 6 - 8, 2024

Shepherdstown, West Virginia

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