Explore the Animals and Exhibits at the Fort Worth Zoo in Texas

The History of the Fort Worth Zoo

The Fort Worth Zoo first opened in 1909 with just a few animals brought in from private collections. Originally located in Forest Park, the zoo started out small but soon grew in popularity as more and more animals were added over the years. In 1937, the zoo was moved to its current location and by 1953, had over 500 animals representing 170 species.

Major Expansions and Exhibit Upgrades

There have been several major expansions and exhibit upgrades over the decades that have transformed the Fort Worth Zoo. In the 1960s, the first elephant and chimpanzee exhibits were constructed. The 70s brought about major projects like the completion of the Forest Avenue complex and the creation of a children’s zoo. In 1982, the zoo opened the $4.2 million African Savannah exhibit which allowed many animals to roam freely together for the first time.

Recent major upgrades include the opening of the $32 million Texas Wild! Exhibit in 2004 which focuses on native Texan wildlife. In 2013, the $25 million African Savanna expansion was completed which doubled the size of the exhibit. And in 2019, the $10 million Pioneers of the Sky aviary exhibit showcasing free-flying tropical birds opened.

Popular Exhibits and Attractions

Today, the Fort Worth Zoo is home to over 7,000 animals representing 567 species. Some of the most popular exhibits and attractions include:

• The African Savanna – Get eye level with giraffes, zebras, ostriches and more roaming across the savanna.
• Penguin Point – Watch these fun birds both above and below water through large glass viewing areas.
• Parrot Paradise – Interact with hundreds of colorful parrots in this free-flight aviary.
• Texas Wild! – See black bears, alligators, bobcats and a variety of snakes native to Texas up close.
• The Herpetarium – Discover frogs, toads, turtles, lizards and many different snake species.
• Nature Playground – A fun nature exploration area for kids with animal statues that spray water.

Unique Zoo Events and Activities

In addition to the many wonderful animal exhibits, the Fort Worth Zoo also hosts a variety of unique events and activities throughout the year including:

Zoo Run

The annual Zoo Run features a 5K and 10K course that takes runners throughout the Fort Worth Zoo grounds and behind the scenes. Enjoy running by your favorite animal exhibits and raise funds for the zoo.

Conservation Days

Learn about conservation initiatives both locally and around the globe while enjoying zoo admission discounts, animal encounters and fun educational activities.

Brew at the Zoo

This adults-only evening event pairs zoo animal encounters with tastings from local breweries. Enjoy food trucks, live music and collecting tasting cards from brewers.

Summer Safari Camps

From preschool programs to teen leadership training, the zoo offers week-long summer safari camps tailored for all age groups that provide fun learning about animals.

Planning a Visit to the Fort Worth Zoo

The Fort Worth Zoo is open every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Standard admission tickets start at $14 for adults and $10 for kids ages 3-12. Additional costs apply for some special attractions and animal encounters. Discounted after 2PM tickets are available daily during the summer.

Tips for Enjoying Your Visit

To have the best experience during your Fort Worth Zoo visit, keep these tips in mind:

• Arrive early since the most active zoo times are between 9AM to 2PM.
• Bring a camera and spare batteries/memory cards to photograph the animals.
• Pack sunscreen, hats, sunglasses and umbrellas in case of rain or sun.
• Wear comfy walking shoes since there's a lot of ground to cover.
• Review the zoo map ahead of time to plan your route.
• Stop by the snake exhibit towards the end when crowds have thinned.

The Fort Worth Zoo provides fun, memorable experiences for all ages while promoting up close animal encounters and conservation education. With new expansions and exhibits, special events, summer camps and more, there’s always something wild happening at the zoo!

FAQs

What are the Fort Worth Zoo hours?

The Fort Worth Zoo is open every day of the year except Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. Standard hours are 9AM to 5PM.

How much do Fort Worth Zoo tickets cost?

Standard admission tickets start at $14 for adults (ages 12-64) and $10 for children (ages 3-12). Discounted after 2PM tickets are available daily during the summer. Special experience add-ons are extra.

What animals can I see at the Fort Worth Zoo?

The Fort Worth Zoo is home to over 7,000 animals across 567 species. You can see giraffes, zebras, penguins, parrots, black bears, alligators, turtles, and hundreds more animals.

Does the Fort Worth Zoo offer summer camps?

Yes, the zoo offers summer safari camps tailored for different age groups from preschool programs to teen leadership training focused on animals and conservation.