Visiting The Fort Worth Zoo in Texas
The Fort Worth Zoo in Fort Worth, Texas, United States was founded in 1909 with one lion, two bear cubs, an alligator, a coyote, a peacock and a few rabbits. The zoo is one of the oldest in the state and for years it has been ranked one of the top zoos in the country.
In 2020, a list was published by USA Today by consulting a panel of 20 experts and then asking the public to help vote for various zoos across the country. When the dust settled only one zoo could take the top spot. The honor went to the Fort Worth Zoo beating out other greats such as San Diego Zoo, the Henry Doorly Zoo, and Brevard Zoo. It has also been named by Family Life magazine and the Los Angeles Times as a top zoo in the nation.
The accolade came during the worst global pandemic in a hundred years and to celebrate the zoo gave some of their animals special enrichments. The animals received watermelons and pumpkins with #1 engraved on them as special thanks to them for making the zoo what it is. Fort Worth wasn’t the only Texas zoo in the USA Today Top 10 list, the Dallas Zoo came in at #9.
Starting off with just a scattering of animals, The Fort Worth Zoo now is home to 7,000 native and exotic animals with many of them being endangered and threatened. So, it’s a quintessential destination for family fun. No wonder the zoo sees over 1 million guests each year! It is also the oldest continuously operated zoo in Texas.
With an impressive size of 64 acres, the zoo boasts 11 distinct exhibits, each meticulously crafted to mimic the natural surroundings of the creatures that call them home. The zoos layout is very long, so prepare to do some walking. Once you go into the zoo you head right towards the World of Primates and from there on you literally go on a global journey, from primates to parrots to denizens of the Australian Outback.
Some of the zoo’s exhibits:
African Savanna
Embark on an exciting safari adventure through the African Savanna, where you can encounter lions, zebras, and other wildlife that thrive in the grassy plains. The elevated walkways in the Savanna provide a unique opportunity to feed the giraffes. These endearing animals are a delight to watch, particularly when they’re munching on leaves right from the palm of your hand.
The Asian Falls
At the zoo, you’ll have the opportunity to get intimately acquainted with the Asian elephants, as the institution is a global pioneer in their conservation. The Asian Falls exhibit also features Indian rhinoceroses, white tigers, striped hyenas, and other species native to Asia. All of these animals are truly magnificent to behold.
Australian Outback
At the Australian Outback exhibit you get to behold red kangaroos, fish, sharks and Australian turkeys.
Penguin Habitats
Then there are special habitats for penguins and it is pure entertainment watching them walk about and play.
Texas Wild is among the most captivating sections of the zoo, showcasing indigenous animals of the Lone Star State. You can also explore a simulated Old West town in the exhibit, complete with shops, eateries, and other enjoyable diversions. Here in the western town you’ll find a petting zoo, glitter tattoos, a candy shop (homemade fudge), an Ice cream parlor, shooting arcade, General Store Gift Shop, Town Hall of Wonders, and Food Court with the options of Pizza Hut, Burgers, and Dickey’s BBQ.
MOLA
Then you have MOLA or Museum of Living Art which is Fort Worth Zoo’s herpetarium where you can have lunch next to the giant Saltwater Crocodile and Gharials. As you walk through MOLA you will see colors and textures reminiscent of reptiles, fish, and amphibians…. on the walls, floors, ceilings, and in the lighting. Visitors find it very different and interesting.
Other Attractions:
Junior Train Conductor
Your 5-12-year-old can become a junior train conductor and ride the rails on the Yellow Rose Express Train collecting tickets and greeting guests, clearing the train to leave the depot and ringing the bell at crossings. Participants will receive an official certificate, train hat and safety vest.
Ticket: $40 includes two one-way train rides.
Safari Splash
Safari Splash is a water play area equipped with four slides, a water dump tower, a fill wall for your water toys, animal-shaped water cannons and a designated toddler play area. A nice place to cool off and chill out.
Ticket: $5
What do visitors have to say about their experience at the zoo?
Brent Campbell says, “Always impressed with the cleanliness and habitat presentation here at the Fort Worth Zoo. Plenty of ramps to keep all areas accessible. Bathrooms well located for convenience. Several snack and small eateries to get you through the experience.
Can’t wait to come back. Train is always popular.”
So, there you go! Plan a visit to the Fort Worth Zoo!
Address: Fort Worth Zoo, 1989 Colonial Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76110, USA
Tickets:
- ADULTS (13+): $18
- CHILDREN (3 TO 12): $14
- TODDLERS (2 & YOUNGER): FREE
- SENIORS (65+): $14
Daily – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Zoo is open 365 days a year and Wednesdays are half-price admission.