Mile for mile, San Antonio is probably the most family-friendly city in all of Texas, and I’ll be the first to admit that it hasn’t gotten its due on USA Travel Guide. Amends start today with another entry in our long-running “Top American Zoos” series. Welcome to the great state of Texas, the lively city of San Antonio, and the San Antonio Zoo.
If you research into the origins of zoos all throughout the country, you’ll start to notice a pattern: rich dude has a bunch of animals laying around, needs a place to put them, donates a patch of land to the city and away we go. It happens again and again. The fun part is calculating the eccentricity of the rich dude by examining the starting collection.
Just look at the San Antonio Zoo. Back in 1914, respected San Antonian Colonel George W. Brackenridge got the ball rolling with a starting collection of buffalo, elk, deer, four bears, monkeys and two lions. You have to imagine it: rich dude already had these animals. Why did rich dude already have these animals? What are you doing with two lions if you have no place to put them and, as I understand it, are not running a circus? These days, rich dudes have fancy cars, theater-sized media rooms, and Italian desks. Back in 1914? Wild animals!
And we think today’s rich are crazy.
It’s ultimately our luck, though, because it was the start of one of the most revered zoos in Texas. The San Antonio Zoo dazzles and delights guests all year long with a vast collection of over 3,500 animals across nearly 700 species. And in fact, now is better than ever to make a visit. The zoo has finally completed both phases of the ambitious Africa Live! installation, bringing with it fresh new facilities and a lot of friendly, and frightening, faces.
Africa Live! is the new star of the San Antonio Zoo. The feature-perfect habitats capture the water-deprived plains of Africa in the few months just after the rainy season, presenting one of the continent’s most ecologically diverse and fascinating time periods. The animals of Africa Live! represent the remarkable adaptations that have allowed life to find a continued hold in the less-than-hospitable climate. In one astounding attraction, guests can view hippopotamuses, crocodiles and African cichlids in a vast watering whole … from below water level!
While Africa Live! threatens to steal some of the thunder, the San Antonio Zoo is best known for its enormous aviary. The second largest in the world by some counts. While almost all exhibits add to the globe-spanning collection, the Hixon Bird House and Lory Landing are the principal attractions for bird fans. Not to mention, the Hixon Bird House is enclosed and air-conditioned, a perfect place to rest on a hot summer day.
It all comes down to the animals, and the San Antonio Zoo has got them. African elephants, leopards, cheetahs, kangaroos, white rhinoceroses, Komodo dragons, king cobras, reticulated giraffes, lories, parrots, storks, antelopes, gibbons. Really, I can’t name them all.
The San Antonio Zoo is open every day of the year, rain or shine, and adult admission is a reasonable $10. There are terrific kids activities throughout the park. Depending on your pace and participation in special programs, plan on 3-6 hours exploring the zoo. Learn more.
2861 Cinema Ridge
San Antonio, TX 78238
Phone: 1-210-520-4200
Website: http://www.holidaysanantonio.com/
Specials: http://www.holidaysanantonio.com/hotel-packages
This modern and very family-friendly San Antonio hotel offers satisfying accommodations at surprisingly approachable rates. Amenities like large suites, free hot breakfast, free Internet and a large on-site pool help parents to keep the kids happy and the budget in check. Plus, you’re close to several family attractions, including SeaWorld San Antonio, the River Walk and of course the San Antonio Zoo.
Have fun at the San Antonio Zoo!
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3 Comments
I would just like to say that I believe the St. Louis Zoo is one of the best zoos i have ever been to. They treat their animals very well. They are actually expanding the elephant exhibit, adding a part like their natural habitat. More space for them to run around. It is very clean, and well kept. It is also non-profit. It is one of the most well kept, and largest non-profit zoos in the country. I suggest possibly adding the St. Louis Zoo in Missouri to that list. Thanks
The San Antonio Zoo is very nice as it allows the visitor to walk and enjoy the amazing animals of the world. The location adds to the charm of the zoo. Also parking is free of charge.
I know there is the Wild Life Ranch outside of San Antonio. Although it is not a real zoo, it is still a fun and unique park.
I would like to say that we have traveled in every state in the USA! We haven’t visited all the zoo’s but I was dissapointed in the Phoenix Zoo! I think it was because it was so dry!
But I do want to say that Mississippi has one of the top zoo’s in my opinion! The Jackson Zoo has long winding paved trails that go into and out of seemingly different country’s!! A petting Zoo, a learning hands on for children and also a train that winds thru the park also a covered bridge! And well maintained with a cafe and snack bar!!
Thank you!
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