Abilene Zoo’s first phase of its master plan, A Bold Adventure, is focused on expanding the Africa region of the zoo. The area will feature several new animals and larger habitats for returning species. In the center of that expansion is the addition of a café that will serve as both a rest stop and watch post for each guest’s African adventure.
The two-story café building will sit in the center of the Africa region, overlooking the lion habitat and event lawn and connecting the second story to the boardwalk. Guests will be able to look out over the Zoo and Abilene.
The first floor of the café will have floor-to-ceiling windows for viewing the lion’s habitat. Guests will have the opportunity to get up close to the beasts while they eat. The second floor will also have a viewing deck with seating, giving a clear view of the entire exhibit.
The café will be able to support over 160 guests across the upper and lower levels. Restrooms on both floors, a mother’s room, an elevator, and an ADA-accessible boardwalk will allow every member of the family to be accommodated. As well, a bridal room will open directly onto to the new event lawn. Private events like weddings, quinceañeras, and party rentals have never been easier at Abilene Zoo.
Perhaps most importantly, air conditioning will provide relief for visitors in the deepest region of the zoo. Guests will now be able to enjoy all the wonders of Africa, without it feeling like the sweltering savanna.
As for the food offerings, the Zoo’s current primary concession stand, The Watering Hole, provides typical zoo food choices like hot dogs, pretzels, and popcorn. An in-park food truck, Zoo Eats, also offers fried food like chicken tenders and funnel cake fries. Additionally, snack stands and vending machines throughout the Zoo offer things like ice cream, coffee, bagels, lemonade, sodas, and candy.
With the new café, all the current favorite offerings will be kept with some new additions. While the menu is still being decided, options like salads, cold and hot sandwiches, burgers, and pizza may soon be available. The café’s kitchen will expand Abilene Zoo’s menus to accommodate even the most ferocious appetites!
The café, the C-130, and more animals from phase one will be arriving late 2027, but you can help with A Bold Adventure now! Construction is already underway, and your support will help bring A Bold Adventure to life and ensure that we continue to inspire meaningful connections with wildlife for generations to come.
For 60 years, we’ve been shaped by the support of our community. Now, as the next chapter begins, we invite you to be part of it.
Follow the journey on our social media channels for construction updates as the vision becomes a reality. Members will get special sneak peeks and behind-the-scenes updates.
Strap in for the adventure at abilenezoo.org/adventure.
