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Austin Zoo & Animal Sanctuary
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 10 am - 6 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
63 reviews for Austin Zoo & Animal Sanctuary
63 reviews in English
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Review from Anna W.
1/4/2012
I really appreciated what this zoo stood for- they know that in a perfect world zoos wouldn't exist, but unfortunately there are idiots in the world and this place is a better alternative than the lives these animals used to lead.
They have a wonderful menagerie of animals and honestly, for a rescue zoo they have impressively large habitats.
This is a great learning experience and I appreciated that on some of the animal placards they mention under what circumstances the animals come to the zoo.
Don't go on a windy day, though. Since the zoo is on a hill you will be miserable. -
Review from Evelyn P.
Austin, TX
1/5/2012
First, I'll start my review by mentioning that the road to hell is paved with good intentions.
The zookeepers are friendly and welcoming and it is clearly advertised that most of the zoo's inhibitants have been salvaged from poorer conditions. The domesticated animals (pigs, sheep, goats, etc.) seem to enjoy the constant fistful of feed thrust from 30 thirty screaming kids. It is apparent that the main attraction of the Austin Zoo is the feeding/petting portion, which is okay and sweet in my book. The occasional rooster or peacock will cross your path and invariably make you laugh. The occasional high-pitched "raaaaAAAhhh" from the cockatoo will almost make you pee your pants.
However, the Austin "Zoo" is advertised as an animal santuary, but is really much like a state-funded facility for the eldery waiting to be put out of their miseries. The zoo has a variety of exotic animals that have been transferred from circuses and neglectful owners to enclosures about 1/1,000 the size of their natural roaming habitats. There is something arrogant about calling yourself a "santuary" when you, in fact, are really doing nothing at all. You could actually be saving an endangered species by donating it to the San Diego Zoo's groundbreaking breeding facilities, or giving the poor creatures a stimulating activity every once in a while.
The monkeys and apes are neurotic from boredom and and pace their cages. I saw three red-tailed foxes crammed into a 5'' diameter circular cage, also insane from boredom and lack of space. The 500-pound black bear swayed and circled on a wooden crate. The most observable fact about this zoo is that these animals are devoid and denied their natural instincts. I was only granted a sigh of relief when I realized, based on the birthdates of these animals, that many of them were well into their 20's and at the tail end of their normal life expectancies. At least they'll be dead soon, and consequently, freed from the filing cabinet that is this hell.
This only way that this zoo could possibly redeem itself is to educate the public about the illegal trade of exotic animals as pets, and unveil the cruelities that occur to the lions, elephants, and tigers at your annual Barnum & Bailey circus. Or please, at the very least, donate the tigers, lions, bears, jaguars, and leopards to other zoos, where they can spend the last years of their lives in a place that more closely meets their evoltionary needs.
Save yourself. The drive up is long and confusing and this place will make you feel (maybe even just a little) shitty for exploiting these beautiful creatures.
Or, you could give me one of those adorable little squirrel monkeys. -
Review from Texiled P.
Austin, TX
10/17/2011
As other reviewers have noted, if you like traditional, manicured and landscaped zoos, you will likely be disappointed by this place. It's really more of a dusty, meandering ranch with a lot of animal pens and cages than a zoo.
But it serves a great purpose in rehabilitating injured animals, so the sort of steep admission prices go to a good cause.
The train ride is also much, much better than the overrated Zilker Zephyr, with some interesting scenery and lots of shade. But it's $2.50 per rider and only departs on the top of the hour so come prepared and plan your visit accordingly. -
Review from Jamie R.
Naples, FL
10/12/2011 3 photos
The heart's in the right place, since this operation gives help and sanctuary to wild animals. But the ranch, turned wild animal Forever Home, would jar the sensibilities of any modern zookeeper. There are no habitats. There are wire cages where the saved animals pace or sit listlessly.
On the Saturday that I visited, there were a couple of little kids' bnirthday parties going on under the elms. I'm glad that families can gather in a safe place that's only about 15 miles from downtown Austin. But I worry that lessons about captivity are not part of the festivites,
Let's hope that Austin Zoo gets funds large enough to bring them into modern zoo practices and values.Listed in: Ralph Waldo Would Love This, Care Givers
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Review from Heather B.
San Jose, CA
9/27/2011
We were visiting Austin and looked up activities for us to do with our toddler. This was a great zoo for kids her age, especially since she could super close to most of the animals (she wouldn't even have noticed some of these same animals at larger zoos, where we were further away).
I'm betting that this zoo would not be a great activity for older kids, since there are not a ton of animals and it lacks a lot of glammed up animal excitement.
But for our purposes, it was a nice, small zoo ideal for our 20-month old. She had a blast and it made for a nice morning! Also love that this is actually a sanctuary and it is a great cause! -
Review from Candice M.
Austin, TX
10/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
Went here with my sister and my 2-year-old nephew. They had been there several times before and are big fans. It was my first time going and it was great. I can't wait to go back. As other folks have said, the fact that these animals have been rescued completely warms your heart. My favorite new friends? A beautiful pig named Babe who I seriously wanted to hug, sone gorgeous bird, including some parrots with the brightest colors I've ever seen, lovely, fuzzy, gentle alpacas and some white-speckled deer. Oh, wait! I forgot about the red kangaroo who could hop really high!
Notes: There's not much food available; just stuff you would get at a movie theater plus good snow cones. So bring your own food if you remember to do so.
Wear closed-toe shoes; it's dusty.
Bring your camera! -
Review from Katie A.
9/2/2011
First of all, let me say that this zoo surprised me. I'm used to Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago or the Detroit Zoo, both of which are huge landscaped "pretty" places. The Austin Zoo is interesting because the focus doesn't seem to be on impressing visitors with fancy displays - it is about rescuing animals. That was really cool (and sad - who would ever have a lion as a PET?!?).
It's great that these poor animals get a second chance. They all seem to be in good shape. We went on a Sunday and it wasn't too crowded, and it was a very manageable size to walk around with a toddler.
The train ride was hysterical. There are old (and kind of awesomely creepy) displays on the train path (a pirate ship, a random bathtub among cacti) that make it really funny.
All in all, a fun experience. I'm not a big zoo person, but this was nice. -
Review from John R.
Austin, TX
1/31/2012
People need to realize this isn't a state or city funded "zoo" - this is a privately owned animal zoo SANCTUARY. They rely strictly on donations and volunteers. There primary mission is not to spend tons of money putting in "water fountains" for everyone and paving everything so it's nice and pretty and having expensive landscaping done. There primary mission is to save animals and educate the public. I'm sure if they the funds, they would be happy to make sure the visitors are all comfy and don't get any dust on their shoes, but they don't have that luxury. They have limited resources to provide the best possible care THEY CAN AFFORD for these poor animals. Those of you looking for City funded Zoo, this isn't it. Like most animal sanctuaries that rely on donations, this won't be anything like the San Diego Zoo, or the San Antonio Zoo (like someone pointed out in their comment). If you want to make a difference, so there, get educated, see how they help and make a difference by contributing instead of whining about no water fountains being provided.
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Review from Laura A.
5/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
The only complaint I have is the heat & humidity, and that's not their fault! Man, it's only May and it felt like the dead-heat of August!
I was surprised at the wide array of animals. They had chickens milling about, and bears, tigers, and lions, in cages, of course. Lots of monkeys, birds, goats, and other creatures.... I don't think we saw everything because it was SO HOT we left early... There's a gift shop with some cute stuffed animals (it's cool inside!) and a trailer outside selling snow cones, drinks, and snacks, so bring some cash. If you're military, don't forget to ask for the military discount.
We will definitely have to come back, in the Spring, though! -
Review from Rachel M.
Austin, TX
7/17/2011
First of all I think it's great that this Zoo is a home for rescued animals. At each enclosure there is a description of the animal(s) and a little bit on how they got to there. It's a great reminder to all and lesson to young kids that these animals are meant to live in the wild, not in your backyard.
While walking around I ran into several zoo keepers cleaning out cages and feeding animals. The keepers seemed to know all the residents by name and it was cool to see a little behind the scenes action.
The zoo itself has nicely shaded pathways; however I would recommend wearing tennis shoes of some kind. I had sandals on and my feet were covered in dust by the end of our visit.
They don't lie when they say you can get up close to the animals. I loved that this zoo has an area where you can feed and pet goats, sheep, deer and llamas. Most of the animals were very friendly and eager for a snack. Peacocks, chickens and roosters also roam the property freely. They funny to watch peck around. We even came across peacock mom and chicks. So cute! However, a word of warning- Read the signs. The lion enclosure is very close to the pathway which is awesome because you're only a few feet away from the massive animal, but you're also in danger of being sprayed. Just as my boyfriend pointed the sign out to me I saw the male lion turn around and lift his tale. I bolted the other direction, my boyfriend however wasn't so quick and only had time to turn around before getting misted with a little lion juice. Yuck.
I would recommend getting there first thing in the morning, especially if it's summer. Even though the zoo is mostly shaded, it was HOT outside. We also didn't get to see any of the leopards, and the bears and mountain lions were mostly hidden, sleeping in the shade.
Did I mention a sheep sneezed on me? -
Review from Jason K.
Killeen, TX
7/6/2011
This is a neat place, it's not over-bearing, overwhelming for kiddos, and price-wise it's not expensive. If you know nothing about it before heading all the way out there, you may be disappointed. But if you do research like most folks do these days, you should understand and explain to your children before you get there that this isn't the Fort Worth Zoo. It's very cool they let the peacocks run around, a few geese and ducks, as well. Children are just stoked to see animals they never get to see in the hood.
Parents, pack some snacks and drinks, though. They don't sell much, which is fine, because they let you walk in with bags full of whatever you want. Drink water!!! -
Review from Elizabeth C.
Austin, TX
Oh my goodness, we had so much fun at this zoo! My little guy ran around from enclosure to enclosure pointing and signing the animals names. The parrots were especially fun since they talked back: "Polly wanna cracker? Hello? Hello? Rugrats!"
This is not the Fort Worth Zoo or the San Antonio Zoo. It is not fancy smancy with beautifully designed enclosures or high tech food vending. The paths are decomposed granite, so bring your jogging stroller for easy maneuvering. This zoo is primarily an animal rescue, so the diversity of animals is not like what people traditionally associate with zoos. But there are lions, tigers, bears (oh my!), as well as lots of monkeys, birds, alpacas, wolves, deer, wolves, llamas. It is a very appealing variety of animals for the kiddos - maybe not as exciting for adults.
The train is fun for the little ones as well - $2.50 for 2 and up and free for 2 and under. Not a bad deal for great views of the hill country and quirky painted animal/alien displays!
The best part? Feeding the goats, alpacas, and sheep! Get there early so the animals are hungry. Make sure to bring a lunch for yourselves to enjoy on the nicely shaded picnic tables.
I thought the price was very fair since some of the zoos I have been to charge over $20 per person to get in, regardless of age. $8 for adults and $5 for children 2 and up, under $2 is free. Can't beat that. -
Review from Carolyn N.
Briarcliff, TX
Like other review stated the Austin Zoo is not the typical zoo. Austin Zoo has a significant number of rescue animals, specifically almost all their big cats. We absolutely enjoyed our visit. It is very reasonably priced and can be seen in a couple of hours. I recommend coming first thing just after they open, so the animals may be a bit more active before the heat of the day sets in.
A guest relations person was walking around talking to people, we heard her several times over the morning. She was amazing, she knew all the animal habits and stories about how they got there. We talked to her about how the big cats needed a bigger pen to get some better exercise. She explained that they had the property, just needed the funding for the pen and they could trade out the cats periodically so all could get a turn.
You can buy bags of feed for a dollar and feed some of the animals like sheep, goats, llamas and deer. They also have a small train. You can bring a picnic, but I highly suggest you bring a tablecloth to set down before you eat, peacocks like to hang out on the tables...if you know what I mean ;) -
Review from Jakob c.
Austin, TX
10/21/2010
I get it. It's a rescue operation that's privately funded. Kudos to them for that.
But the name "zoo" should be left out. Yes, it does fall within the actual definition, but it doesn't meet the expectations that people have associated with that word.
If I had known better, perhaps I wouldn't have been so disappointed. But the place just seemed so depressing and neglected. I just assumed Austin, being the popular destination it is, would have something better. This place made me want to hang myself. -
Review from Iftikhar K.
Round Rock, TX
12/26/2010
Finally decided to check out our local zoo. It really is in the middle of nowhere. I wondered if the GPS was wrong when I passed the tiniest zoo sign I've ever seen forcing me to turn back around.
Coming the day after Christmas, we pretty much had the zoo to ourself. It felt eerily deserted. The zoo's infrastructure really is as weak as everyone has described. There are practically no signs and very little paved sidewalks. The price isn't cheap either.
That said I'm glad we came and Rizwan had fun. You can get really close to the animals here. The wandering peacocks and roosters were a great way to walk into the park. We were just a couple of feet away from the Lions. Hearing a wolf cry out was also pretty cool. The petting zoo and feeding area was also a big hit with the kids. Finally, this animal sanctuary's mission is a noble one. Good work guys. -
Review from Heather R.
Austin, TX
12/28/2010
I took Ms. Princess here when she was about 14 months old and she seemed to have a good time. It's a small zoo, but it has birds, pigs, tortoises, lots of big cats, a petting zoo, a train, and more.
Negatives:
-the walkways aren't paved so it's not really cheap stroller friendly
-the petting zoo is a mostly goats and a couple of sheep
-the train only runs about once an hour
Positives:
-Free parking
-You can feed most hoofed animals and they actually give a you pretty good size bag of food for a $1
-The tigers can be as close as 3 feet away (this was AWESOME!!)
-It's a pretty small zoo so you can see it all and not miss the afternoon nap
-It's a rescue zoo and they have all the information about each of the animals up so you can learn about each animal and its story
Tips:
-Keep in mind, this is not a big zoo
-Plan your adventure around what time you want to take the train (I think the train costs around $2.50/person)
-Bring hand sanitizer-none of the dispensers worked when I was there
-Don't bring anything too sweet for lunch/snack. There are bees around the food area that have no fear
-If you go with a Member, admission is around $5
-If you have a Go Local card, you get $1 off admissionListed in: Field Trips for Those Under 2
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Review from John A.
Austin, TX
9/9/2010
A zoo?? This is NOT a zoo.
I wonder if anyone calling this animal prison a zoo has ever been to a REAL city zoo.
I would not even pay the gas money to go to this place. these animals deserve better and should not be treated this way.
I am an animal lover and feel bad for the animals that have to be there. This is a disgrace....embarrasing! -
Review from Jennifer H.
Columbus, OH
10/5/2010
It's not anything fancy, but hey....it's a place where they save unwanted animals. My 17 month-old had a blast, and she took a 3 hour nap after we got home -- so it gets three thumbs up in my book.
We bought a bag of animal food (we'll get two next time) and we did the train ride. It was a nice day.... I don't know why it gets all of the one star ratings. I mean, it's not like the St. Louis Zoo or the Columbus Zoo... but there are some neat things, and the animals didn't seem unhappy.... -
Review from Staci B.
Austin, TX
10/27/2010
For being a small town zoo, it's not bad at all! There is a lot of dust, since the walk ways aren't paved, so wear old shoes.
The array of animals they had was surprising. The tigers are definitely fat and happy. We went in October and all the animals were out sunning.
For sure a good zoo for the little ones - mine are 5 and 2 and really don't remember the commercialized zoo we went to in Houston. They loved it all the same.
Favorites points for me were the friendly birds and the peacock that was strutting around freely. Gave the girls a laugh. -
Review from Matthew S.
Austin, TX
1/2/2011
I love my local zoo! as unique as Austin, this place is quaint and growing. I found the selection of animals quite a delight. you can see it all in a short time so it doesn't wear you out.
There are many cats: tigers, jaguars, lions, etc...
I have been going here for ten years, and must tell you to visit again if you have not in a year or so. they have expanded, and their growth is good. I heard one couple say that they were impressed with the amount of space that the tigers had, it was larger than the bigger zoos.
you can get closer to the animals, so the experience is more real than a safari.
I am a fan of the Austin Zoo! -
Review from ryan c.
Jacksonville, NC
8/4/2011
First, I've never been to the Austin zoo, but have heard a lot about it and driven by there. Second, to those who are comparing it to the SA or San Diego zoos, please stop. Austin is NOT SA or San Diego. This is an animal sactuary, however, it does meet the definition of a zoo. There is a "zoo" near where I am stationed in NC that isn't even close to a zoo, more of a large petting farm. This place is a non-profit, which means that all of the money they take in is strictly for the zoo and the people working there. And I noticed that most of the ones that are criticizing are those that are from out of state, or at least not local.
Please take time to consider where the zoo is located, and what the mission is before comparing it to larger places. I would love to take my family here next time we are home since my son loves animals and has never been to a zoo since he was a baby. -
Review from Evan J.
Austin, TX
8/17/2011
The animal rescue concept is great, but the owner is perhaps the single meanest, most vile woman I have ever had the misfortune of meeting in my entire life. Awful experience.
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Review from Shannon S.
Round Rock, TX
10/1/2011
As long as you go into it knowing that it is #1 an animal sanctuary then you'll enjoy yourself. The zoo is small and there is nothing fancy about the landscape but you get to see some big animals (lions, tigers, and bears..oh my!) up close and personal. A great outing for smaller kids.
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Review from Saul T.
Austin, TX
7/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
Nice local zoo, nothing over the top or crazy, but I must say I still had a good time. I went a little early based on the advice I got from a zookeeper and I think it paid off. Most of the animals were alive and awake. The lion was especially aggressive and charged and roared at me! I was unbelievably scared, thank goodness for that fence between us,lol. Other highlight was seeing about a 5 minute wrestling match between a pair of the smaller monkeys, awesome!
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Review from Alex L.
Austin, TX
5/7/2008 ROTD 11/13/2008
I definitely recommend paying a visit to Austin Zoo... if you like something a little bit different. Me? I LOVE Austin Zoo!
For those that don't know, it's not really a zoo compared to the more commercial ones you'll see in larger cities, but more of an animal sanctuary (it's a non-profit organization that gets no funding from the City of Austin) that houses predominantly rescued animals and ex-pets. For example, a lot of the monkeys are ex-laboratory test animals, some of the big cats have been rescued from drug dealers, roadside "zoos", and such... and one of their bears is an ex-Baylor bear!
It's one of my favorite places to visit in Austin, we usually go 2-3 times a year, and it has great sentimental value to me as my wife and I went there on our second date, and I proposed to her (no, no on the second date!) in front of the jaguars and wolves with a beautiful view of the Hill Country.
I think it's amazing what they've been able to do with the shoestring budget that they have, and it definitely gives you food for thought as you walk around, see where these animals have come from, and what some of them have had to endure.
Thank-you Austin Zoo, for providing these animals with sanctuary when they need it most. -
Review from Anna G.
Austin, TX
2/3/2009
I watched my three year old feed gentle, adorable Axis deer by hand and run in circles, in a fit of delirious excitement, screaming DEER! DEER! DEER! (Actually, he insisted they were reindeer.) That, in and of itself, was worth the price of admission.
The Austin Zoo is not a formal place like those in many other cities, but it is a charming and interesting experience nonetheless. I was amazed that I could watch a Bengal Tiger lick his gigantic paws from about four feet away - the female was gnawing on some kind of bloody animal shank nearby. The monkeys were so close, I had to watch my boy's hands closely - the two could have easily touched paws.
As has been stated before, the infastructure could use work, but the animals seem very well cared for and were most likely saved from a much worse fate. Kids don't notice when things are run down, anyway, they focus on what's important - the animals.
We missed the train this time around, but I forsee many visits in our future. -
Review from Tara M.
5/28/2008
I love the Austin Zoo I volunteer here every year for the Vegetarian Chili Cook Off.. Does that sound like a contradiction in interest or what? I love Chili I love animals and I love not eating them in my chili - I love beans in my chili...
Austin Zoo is a non - profit organization for rescued and abandoned exotic animals relying completely on private donations and admission fees. So, go visit this Zoo I promise you will enjoy it unless you hate Zoos in general. -
Review from John D.
Round Rock, TX
11/27/2006 1 photo
The Austin ZOo is probably my favorite place in Austin. At a minimum, it's in the top-5. I'm sorry to read such an unfavorable review here, and as such, I'll probably do a little more research in to the Zoo just to make sure I haven't been misled as I choose to donate money there fairly regularly.
The Austin Zoo is an animal recovery zoo, meaning all the animals came from places that are disgraceful. Primates from experimental labs, tigers that were the pets of drug-dealers, birds that were purchased as a luxury and then neglected. Best I can tell from my visits, the Austin Zoo is full of people who care about the animals and want to nurse them back to good health so they can live pain-free lives. It's not a tourist attraction zoo, but rather a place where neglected animals are on display and the viewing fee (hopefully) improves their standard of living.
My favorite animal there is the capybara, which is sort of a cross between a rat and a donkey. I've never seen that before, but it sure is interesting every time They also have a huge black bear and a number of full grown lions, tigers, and leopards. There are turtles and roosters that are available to touch/pet, as well as a petting zoo for the kids.
The facilities are somewhat deceptive as first glance makes it look like a bird and monkey zoo. However, a short stroll leads you to the meat of the zoo where all the more exotic animals are. These animals appear to have a lot of room to live and look well fed, which can't be said for many zoos. The cages seem to be kept clean and there is almost always an attendant or two in view working/playing/cleaning/feeding the inhabitants of a cage.
My only complaint is that you can't buy beer at the Austin Zoo. Other than that, I think it's a great place to spend an afternoon and a great cause to donate money to. -
Review from Jessica F.
Columbia, MD
4/26/2010
I don't mind taking a trip to this zoo because I like what they are trying to do and I will support their cause. However, don't go here on a weekend. I know for some that is impossible. I was lucky enough to go on a weekday with my daughter and it was a much more pleasant experience.
This past weekend we were apparantly being followed by a birthday party and I understand kids get excited but can you please wait your turn? (That is my review of the parenting I guess) It is just super crowded like most zoos on the weekend and when you have a squirmy toddler it makes it a bit stressful. She highly enjoyed the zoo's cat however. -
Review from eric s.
Austin, TX
12/7/2007
I am a fan of the Austin Zoo.
It is really an exotic animal rescue with a paid admission, and I have no problem with that. Normally when I go to zoos I feel bad for the animals, because I can envision them living more stimulating happier lives in the wild. Here I do not have that problem, and sometimes on the cage you will get the story of the Leopards saved from a christian circus or the pets that outgrew their owners. I know the animals are better off here. I enjoy the friendly reminders to kids that certain animals are not pets and that you should not ask your parents for them.
Also nice is the level of intimacy. One is not separated by a moat the size of an SUV from the animals, you are allowed to get right up near and appreciate the animals for what they are. This can however work against you:
Last time we were here, we were appreciating the Male lion in his cage and were fascinated to see him walking up to us, but we stood still and appreciated his size and beauty. Next thing you know he turns around and there is a spray coming from his anal region. In one of those movie-style slow-motion replays I will always remember, I stupidly just stand there. Luckily, it was not urine, we were musked.
How many places can you go and be marked territory by a lion and live to tell about it? -
Review from Candace S.
Alexandria, VA
11/18/2009 4 photos
I came here one afternoon on a weekend to check out the Austin Zoo (military get $1 discount..whoo). I was probably the only one there who wasn't pushing a stroller, but that's ok.
It's not very big, but there's quite a bit to see. It was a pretty hot day when I went so the tigers were out on the pool and quite active--that was really neat to see. The lions, on the other hand, were lazy and sleeping in the shade..
There was also a display of dog/wolf crossbreeds that had been recently rescued...so glad to see that the zoo is an animal sanctuary.
You can buy a bag of feed when you buy your tickets, which I did, and feed the animals at the petting zoo. Or you can be like me and just dump everything in a bucket and just take pictures when they all arrive ;o)
Overall, an enjoyable experience. There were a few kids throwing rocks at the monkey cages and I'm just glad their parents said something before I did! -
Review from Katie L.
Austin, TX
6/21/2009
I really love the Austin zoo. First of all, there is the rescue aspect - if you read the signs near some of the animals you'll find out they were abandoned pets, circus animals, etc. Thank you Austin Zoo for giving these poor animals a new lease on life and taking care of them after what was I'm sure a difficult time for them before being rescued. We've seen some of the folks that work there out and about with the animals (feeding them, grooming them, etc.) and you can tell that they truly care about them.
Inexpensive to enter. Food for $1 to feed the deer, goats, etc. (my little one LOVES to do that). And you can get so ridiculously close to the tigers, lions, bears, etc. that it's unreal...
The train is a lot of fun (cash only for that!) and takes you around the outside of the grounds in the beautiful hill country.
It's quirky, but we absolutely love this zoo, and go probably 1x per month if not more! -
Review from Jack L.
Austin, TX
1/28/2009
Worth seeing if just for the gorgeous lion in full mane. At least one of the lions was rescued from a travelling Christian circus (Yes, my thoughts exactly). Of course Austin zoo isn't some sprawling great place like San Francisco or London zoo, but it has a nice selection of animals that have been, importantly, rescued.
A great place for a day out. -
Review from Nat M.
Round Rock, TX
3/4/2010
I think this is better than a big zoo, this helps animals, it's a rehabilitation for unwanted animals and recently they had Barbary lions which are extinct in the wild and Austin zoo right now and is trying to help restore the population with 2 new cubs that they have.
my 10 month old daughter loved it and for $8 a person, I will gladly pay to help rehabiliate animals that people didn't want
just make sure you go on a nice sunny day so all the animals are out and about. -
Review from Rachel H.
Portland, OR
5/17/2010
Pretty interesting for a couple of hours of entertainment. Not very professional, but ok. Lots of children's toys pepper the cages as do random sheets and towels for improvised animal entertainment.
Lots of peacocks roaming around. Monkeys, large cats, wolf hybrids, and enough animals to keep us looking for more than an hour.
I couldn't believe they didn't offer a water fountain for guests. I was told I could purchase a bottle of water. -
Review from Brandon G.
San Antonio, TX
4/9/2011
Me and my wife take are kids almost everywhere a kid can go. So we drove from San Antonio to the Austin zoo. After getting lost (unlike San Antonio this Zoo is in the woods, lol) for an hour we finally find it. The place looks like someones backyard. The whole trail is a dirt road. The only people there were my family and two other families. To sum it up I thought I was going to see something similiar to San Antonio Zoo. No we went to Bob and Janes backyard to see their animals. Never again!
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Review from Tammy S.
Austin, TX
4/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
My husband and I had a blast! It is super unique which fits in well living in Austin. The animals where exciting and looked well cared for despite their situation. You could feed all of the goats, sheep, and Lamas.
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Review from Teri R.
Austin, TX
11/3/2008
I adore Austin Zoo, and so does my 4 year old daughter. I am so touched by what they have done there. It's a great learning experience for us all about exploiting exotic animals for fun and profit. It usually ends badly. Thank you so much, Austin Zoo, for giving all of these beautiful creatures a peaceful life. Walk around, and you can see the love and compassion they feel toward the animals. It's one of my favorite places on earth. I wouldn't change a thing.
They are nonprofit, so your admission fees all go to the upkeep of the animals. Please visit soon, and tell all of your friends. It's a way of giving back--and experiencing great beauty, love and compassion that you helped make possible. Definitely a win/win. -
Review from Isabelle K.
Austin, TX
10/21/2010 2 photos
It's a pretty small zoo compared to most zoos I have seen. It has two animals I wanted my son to see, lion and tiger. I saw two lions, 3 tigers, 2 bears, 1 wolf, 3 foxes, 5 peacocks, 1 lemur, 3 llamas, 3 wild pigs, 4 deer, 6 monkeys, 1 jaguar, 2 bobcats, 1 leopard, many goats, 5 turtles and etc.
Listed in: Kids birthday party venue
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Review from Rusty T.
Austin, TX
7/8/2009
The Austin Zoo is a true hidden treasure. I bet you could ask 10 random people in town where it is and 1 would draw you a map, 2 could get you close, and the rest would call you an idiot while pointing in the direction of San Antonio.
The mission of the zoo is great and my daughter loves feeding the goats and deer. The train is a must each trip. You can picnic at their tables or they have food on site if you like.
It's not a sprawling, lush, exotic paradise of a zoo, but we like the closeness to the animals and prefer our hometown zoo to most others we've been to.
