The Austin Zoo is much smaller than the other Texas zoos we have visited. It is a rescue zoo. They get most of their animals from when the government has to step in and seize them. Their collection is growing (unfortunately), but they are giving these animals good homes, and in some cases, nursing them back to health. The biggest case of this is probably their white tiger. It’s rare to see them in zoos. This one was seized during a drug bust, per the keeper chat that we attended. One positive of this small zoo is the opportunity for animal encounters. Although the capybara feeding opportunity was booked, we were able to feed Galapagos tortoises! Our family loved it! They are large, but gentle animals, and I would recommend that if you have the opportunity. It’s the biggest highlight in our Austin Zoo review.
Highlights:
- Galapagos Tortoise Encounter – This was one of our favorite encounters that we’ve done. For $25/person, you get a 30-minute feeding session in the tortoise exhibit. Going in exhibit is rare, so that’s a fun opportunity. These animals were gentle, and I recommend this as the money goes back into caring for the animals.
- Hoofstock Feeding Area – In addition to their animal encounters, there is an area where you can purchase food on the spot for a variety of animals. Our kids loved this section. It is very spread out, and the large sheep are fun to feed.
- White Tiger – Tucked in the back of the zoo is their white tiger. The tiger was rescued, and is pretty friendly for a big cat. We enjoyed a keeper chat where they talked about its background, and shared some highlights of the tiger’s personality.
- MOLA – This is a small building, but unique and fun. The museum of living art has a variety of animals, and ends by opening into a beautiful garden.
Lows:
- Terrain – As is common with small, private zoos, the terrain here is rocky and difficult. Strollers are difficult at this zoo. I know it costs money, which could potentially take away from animal care, I would recommend a fundraiser or something to generate the funds and make this easier for visitors.
- Entrance – Again, small zoos mean few workers and low funds. However, we waited over 30 minutes to get into the zoo due to the line. For a zoo that brings in a few hundred visitors per day, there shouldn’t be that much of a backup. I know funds are limited, but making this zoo easier to get into would be a big help. Families can only last so long waiting in the hot Texas sun to get into the zoo on a regular basis.
- Cages – Zoos need to feature habitats, not cages. A lot of these animals are in chain link fenced cages. They’re doing the best they can with the space/resources they have, but some of these enclosures could really benefit from a nicer habitat.
Thanks for reading our Austin Zoo review. Want to see how it compares to the other Texas zoos? Check out our comparison here.
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