Ellen Trout Zoo

Ellen Trout Zoo and its collection

Ellen Trout Zoo, opened in 1967, is a zoo in Lufkin, United States.

Around 700 animals are kept, and roughly 150,000 people visit each year. School programmes began in 1977, and the zoo runs Wildlife on Wheels classroom sessions, teacher workshops and university internships. Summer options include a Junior Zookeeper scheme in which pupils in grades seven to nine work alongside keepers.

History

Trout was given a 230 kg hippo in mid-December 1965 as a Christmas gift. The animal, Hippie, was lodged at a zoo in Monroe, Louisiana for eighteen months while its pen was finished. The zoo was built around that pen and opened on 17 June 1967.

Animals and collection

Species on show include Komodo dragon, Malayan tapir, clouded leopard, southern white rhino and Masai giraffe.

Conservation and approach

Nearly 50 of the species kept are covered by Species Survival Plans, the work taking in rhinos, the Bali mynah and the cotton-top tamarin.

What the venue says

• miniature pre-Civil War train replica that takes a 10-to-12 minute ride around the lake and through the surrounding pine trees
• educational presentations and learn more directly from animal caretakers
• Visitors are welcome to bring their own snacks and water bottles
• There is a zoo concession stand offering snacks and light bites (members receive a 10% discount here).
• The facility offers ample, complimentary parking directly outside the entrance, including designated spaces for larger vehicles.
• flat, paved pathways that make it generally friendly and accessible for strollers, wheelchairs, and wagons