San Antonio Zoo is Roaring

Each year, families caravan to one of the city’s most exotic places. A place where colorful birds fly overhead, tropical blooms line the pathways, and the sounds of the jungle are better than any movie theater effect you’ll ever hear.

The place – the San Antonio Zoo. For more than 90 years, the zoo has strived to create a fun, friendly and adventurous environment for their visitors. The 56-acre zoo is home to over 3,500 animals, representing 600 species.

Visionary

Back in 1914, San Antonio Express-News founder Colonel George W. Brackenridge decided to place a small collection of animals in Brackenridge Park. He later gave the land over to the city and entrusted them with continuing the project.

From its humble beginnings, the zoo has transformed into a multi-national haven for hundreds of birds, reptiles, amphibians and mammals. Today, the zoo prides itself in creating an lively learning environment for children and adults. Their hope is to not only educate visitors about wildlife, but about the animals’ origins and current status in nature.

From Africa to Amazonia

One of their newest exhibits that entertains and educates is “Africa Live!” where visitors can escape into a land where hippos, crocodiles and cobras rule. The entire setting engulfs visitors in Africa’s wildlife, even giving them a close up look at native fish, like cichlids, through underwater viewing windows.

The multi-million dollar exhibit also features mongoose, small primates, Agama lizards, African hunting dogs and more. Visitors can also follow a flowing stream, which will lead them to a grand waterfall.

“TOADally” is another of the zoo’s striking exhibits. It was created in an effort to raise awareness of endangered amphibians. Neon colored frogs, toads and slick salamanders are just a few of the creatures featured, all of which are nearing extinction.

But the zoo is not just for animal lovers, their “Amazonia” section is encompassed by lush tropical foliage, including orchids and bromeliads. Some of the exhibit’s residents are cats, real big cats, such as the jaguar and the ocelot. White-faced saki monkeys, armadillos, bats, fish, and birds like the giant Andean condor can also be seen.

The zoo makes for a great afternoon adventure for animal lovers of all ages.

Where to Learn More

Visitors can see (and smell) all the wonders of nature 365 days a year. Visit www.sazoo-aq.org, to find out seasonal hours of operation. The zoo is located in Brackenridge Park, at 3903 N. St. Mary’s Street in San Antonio, Texas.