Abilene Zoological Gardens

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Abilene Zoological Gardens and its collection

Abilene Zoological Gardens, opened in 1966, is a zoo in Abilene, United States.

The collection runs to over 800 animals of more than 175 species, and 255,000 visitors were recorded in 2021. Members receive free or reduced entry at other collections through the AZA reciprocity scheme.

History

The first version was built in 1919 in Fair Park, a site now called Rose Park. A zoological society formed in 1963 to raise money for a larger site elsewhere, and the disused municipal airport became the chosen ground.

Exhibits

A herpetarium opened in December 2007 inside part of the Discovery Center. An area added in 2009 shows the Texan wildlife of the Elm Creek region, from cougars to ringtails, and Nakuru Lagoon, costing $300,000, opened in March 2018. A bridge over the giraffe yard allows the animals to be touched and fed.

What the venue says

Safari Train Express
Wild Days
Boo at the Zoo
Christmas Celebration
On-site food vendors and snack kiosks ( `Zoo Eats` ) are open during operating hours to offer meals, snacks, and refreshments.
Free parking is conveniently located right outside the zoo grounds within Grover Nelson Park.
Standard wheelchairs can be rented at the Zoo Gift Shop for $10 (requires a photo ID), and pull wagons are available for rent at $5.
Service animals trained to do work or perform tasks for individuals with disabilities are welcome.