About Austin Zoo
The Austin Zoo is a nonprofit organization with a mission to assist animals in need through rescue, conservation, and education. It’s the place to observe more than 300 animals across 100 species up-close in the Hill Country setting. Their residents include lions, tigers, reptiles, primates, birds, domestic animals, and native Texas wildlife.
The zoo’s history begins in 1990 when Good Day Ranch provided a home to a few domestic farm animals. Four years later, the ranch grew its family to include exotic animals and became Austin Zoo. The zoo’s staff works to expand the facilities and habitats to create a home for neglected, mistreated, or unwanted animals.
You can take a 20-minute scenic ride through the Hill Country on the zoo’s train. The train runs every day. While on the train, you can catch off-display animals such as emus, alpacas, and longhorns. The train departs every hour starting at 11 am and runs until 3 pm during the school year and 5 pm in the summer.
Before You Visit Austin Zoo
Be aware the trails are made out of crushed granite gravel. Wear comfortable closed-toe walking shoes. You won’t find any water fountains at the zoo. So, bring your own beverages and food. They also sell bottled water in their gift shop.
Parking is free. Basic strollers at the Education Building porch are also free. If you’d rather use a jogging stroller, you can rent one from the gift shop as well as buy animal feed. You’ll be able to treat goats, deer, llamas, alpacas, and sheep.
Zoo admission may be paid with a credit card or cash. Please do not bring animals with you to the zoo. Since it’s a non-smoking facility, please take smoking breaks at the parking lot away from others. Remember, no shirts, no shoes, no service. If you want to see the animals at their most active, morning is the best time.
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