Dallas Zoo: Where the wild things are
As the largest zoological offering in Texas, the Dallas Zoo serves as home for hundreds of exotic, endangered and familiar animals, including gorillas, giraffes, penguins, elephants and more.
The sprawling 95-acre zoo is divided into two experiences: the Wilds of Africa and Zoo North.
In the Wilds of Africa experience, visitors can explore six major African habitats by foot or take a 20-minute Monorail Safari ride during warmer months. Either way, visitors will observe animals in bush, desert, forest, woodland, river and mountain environments.
Many of the exhibits and habitats are especially popular with patrons, including the Jake L. Hamon Gorilla Conservation Research Center, Kimberly-Clark Chimpanzee Forest, and Crocodile Isle, as well as the endangered okapi exhibit along the Nature Trail.
In the Zoo North territory there are numerous features and exhibits to explore, including the Betty Moroney Norsworthy Otter Outpost, Bug U! and Tamarin Treetops. Monkeys and lesser apes live in a lush park setting in Primate Place. The primates neighbor the elephants and giraffes and the Pierre A. Fontaine Bird & Reptile Building.
After a visit to the kangaroo habitat, visitors can hike up to the Hill to discover a family of cheetahs, as well as black rhinos, antelope, warthogs, and other hoofed animals.
The ExxonMobil Endangered Tiger Habitat features a natural setting with rocks, trees, grasses, and pools of water where the tigers may swim. Plus, visitors will find an extensive collection of birds in Wings of Wonder, Bird Valley and throughout the park.
The Underzone features naked mole rats and other underground creatures.
The zoo hosts a number of interactive exhibits. Guests can feed a variety of interesting birds in Travis & Zach’s Birds Landing. There are pony rides, a petting zoo, a koi pond and a bubbling stream where kids can cool their heels. The Nature Exchange offers a special kind of swap shop for natural artifacts.
For a quick bite, the whole family can enjoy something off the menu at the Prime Meridian restaurant near the Flamingo Pond and the Lacerte Family Children’s Zoo. Near the entrance of the zoo, visitors can find souvenirs and gifts at the Zoofari Market near the zoo entrance.
The zoo’s web site offers detailed information to help visitors plan their visit, including a colorful and easy to navigate interactive map. Kids and adults alike can prepare or relive their visit with a special interactive education section.
For special parties, receptions or corporate events the zoo offers its Serengeti Club. The exclusive space can be reserved by contacting the zoo at bmayfield@dalzoo.com or by calling (214) 943-2771 extension 311.
- by Jenn Emerson, Dallas Reporter for HelloMetro
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Jenn EmersonA veteran of the advertising world, chances are you bought, drank or drove something because of Jenn’s ad copy. Not one to stagnate in one discipline, Jenn also keeps up her writing Jones for short stories, scripts and features. She really digs working for HelloMetro while exploring new places and meeting new people along the way.
