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2 reviews for El Paso Zoo
This small zoo is tucked away near the El Paso County Coliseum. The park is themed by continent...right now they're working on the Africa expansion. They say it'll be like the savannahs...like being on a safari... They have guided tours, classes for kids, and a great gift shop.
The Grasslands Cafe is their main restaurant. I'm used to tourist spots like this skyrocketing their prices to make an extra buck but they're not into that...they're reasonably priced. The food is nothing to write about but it keeps the kids happy. Cheeseburgers, sandwiches, hot dogs, ice cream, etc....typical amusement park cuisine.
They're affiliated with Cold Stone Ice Cream. If you throw your next birthday party there, a Cold Stone Ice Cream cake is included in the package.
When visiting I tried to keep in mind that this was probably going to be a modest zoo being that El Paso isn't even close to being known for its zoo but I was still a little disappointed. It only took an hour and a half to see everything (and take lots of picture). The Africa exhibit, which was referenced in the Feb 07 review, is still is under construction more than two years later. And there is a reptile house under construction also.
The special "encounters" are staggered over the whole day which with the hour and a half visit, we didn't see any of them. Granted I went on an afternoon (Saturday) and it was kind of toasty but this is El Paso and it isn't even close to the hottest part of the summer yet. Most of the little food stands were closed. On a Saturday afternoon when it is 90+ out, having the little ice cream stand closed should be criminal.
On the plus side it was only $5 ($4 with military discount). Maybe in 2+ years when it has "doubled in size" which is what the web site says, it will be worth more that 2 stars but for now that is all I can give it.
