Forth Worth Zoo a tradition in family fun
Published: Jun 8, 2009
Founded in 1909, the Fort Worth Zoo is the oldest and most respected zoo in Texas. With more than a million visitors every year, the zoo has been lauded locally and nationally in Family Life magazine, the Los Angeles Times and USA Today.
With its long history, a day at the zoo for adults is an opportunity to reminisce and share stories about the zoo with their kids and grandchildren. Out-of-state visitors can learn more about the history, as well as get close up visits with more than 435 species of animals from mammals and birds, to reptiles, fish and insects.
Ironically, one of the most popular attractions in the zoo isn’t an animal; it is the Yellow Rose Express – an open-air passenger train that travels from one end of the zoo to the other, carrying smiling patrons all the way. Visitors can hop on the train for $2 per person one-way or for $3 per person for all-day train access.
The zoo offers numerous attractions among its twelve permanent animal habitats. Near the entrance, visitors can check out Flamingo Bay, then take a stroll through the World of Primates and the African Savannah habitat complete with cheetahs, black rhinos, giraffes, elephants and hippos. Just around the corner guests can watch the quirky antics of a meerkat family at Meerkat Mounds.
Two parallel paths trail the length of the zoo. The first is scenic and winding, while the other is a little more straightforward. Guests can plot their own adventure with the help of the complimentary safari guide that visitors receive with paid admission.
Along the trails, visitors can experience other habitats like Penguins, Asian Falls, Raptor Canyons, Australian Outback, Parrot Paradise, and the Herpetarium that still boasts mid-century style and architecture.
The zoo offers tasty snack bars and restaurants with recognizable names like Grandy’s; Pizza Hut; Burger King; and Dickey’s Barbecue. Across from the World of Primates, the Crocodile Café offers items like “crocomole and chips". There is also an ice cream shop that offers cool treats for hot summer days.
All of the attractions and habitats lead up to the "Texas Wild!" section of the park, which is to look like a small Texas town. This special area is focuses on the history, weather and wildlife that is unique to Texas. Along with a variety of unique shops, the town includes rides like the Country Carousel and a petting corral with goats; a Texas longhorn calf; a nine-banded armadillo; and other Big Country critters.
Run by the non-profit Fort Worth Zoological Association, the zoo focuses on land and animal conservation and educational programs. Plus, the zoo hosts a number of popular annual programs and events including Boo at the Zoo – Fort Worth’s longest-running family-friendly Halloween themed event.
- by Jenn Emerson, Dallas Reporter for HelloMetro
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