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Search Results

Animals

Brown Pelican

Meet

Our Brown Pelican

The brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) is a coastal marvel: a large seabird with a dramatic...

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Sloth Bear

Mammal

Meet

Our Sloth Bear

The sloth bear (Melursus ursinus), a shaggy-coated, insect-eating bear native to the Indian sub-continent, is...

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American Bison

Mammal

Meet

Our American Bison

The American bison, often mistakenly called buffalo, is the emblem of strength and resilience in...

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Reindeer

Mammal

Meet

Our Reindeer

The image of eight magical reindeer pulling Santa and his sleigh is a core Christmas...

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Turkey Vulture

Bird

Meet

Our Turkey Vulture

The Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura) is a fascinating and vital scavenger known for its...

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Whooping Crane

Bird

Meet

Our Whooping Crane

The Whooping Crane (Grus americana) is the tallest bird in North America and is celebrated...

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Striped Skunk

Mammal

Meet

Our Striped Skunk

The Striped Skunk (Mephitis mephitis) is a small, nocturnal mammal known for its distinctive black...

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Ring-tailed Cat

Mammal

Meet

Our Ring-tailed Cat

The Ring-Tailed Cat (Bassariscus astutus), also known as the Ringtail, is a captivating nocturnal mammal...
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Bald Eagle

Bird

Meet

Our Bald Eagle

The Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is a powerful and majestic bird of prey, widely recognized...

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Swainson’s Hawk

Bird

Meet

Our Swainson’s Hawk

The Swainson’s Hawk (Buteo swainsoni) is a remarkable bird of prey native to North America,...

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Red-tailed Hawk

Bird

Meet

Our Red-tailed Hawk

The Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) is one of the most widespread and recognizable birds of...

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Black Vulture

Bird

Meet

Our Black Vulture

The Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus) is a scavenger bird native to the Americas, playing a...

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Crested Caracara

Bird

Meet

Our Crested Caracara

Known as the “Mexican Eagle” and the national bird of Mexico, the Crested Caracara (Caracara...

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Black-footed Ferret

Mammal

Meet

Our Black-footed Ferret

The Black-footed Ferret is a small, carnivorous mammal that is native to North America. It...

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Burrowing Owl

Bird

Meet

Our Burrowing Owl

The Burrowing Owl is a small, ground-dwelling bird that is native to North and South...

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Virginia Opossum

Mammal

Meet

Our Virginia Opossum

The Virginia Opossum, also known as the North American Opossum, is a marsupial native to...

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Ocelot

Mammal

Meet

Our Ocelot

The ocelot is a small wild cat that can be found in Central and South...

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Coscoroba Swan

Bird

Meet

Our Coscoroba Swan

Coscoroba Swan or the scientific name is Coscoroba coscoroba. You can find this flock in...
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American Alligator

Reptile

Meet

Our American Alligator

Albert is one of the oldest living American Alligators in zoos across the country. His...
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Maned Wolf

Mammal

Meet

Our Maned Wolf

Neither a fox, nor a wolf! Learn more about the unique Maned Wolf here at...
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Jaguar

Mammal

Meet

Our Jaguar

Jaguar What’s in the name jaguar? Jaguar is the name of one of the world’s...

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Giant Anteater

Mammal

Meet

Our Giant Anteater

Meet Benny and Demo, our giant anteaters! Learn more at the Abilene Zoo....
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Capybara

Mammal

Meet

Our Capybara

Learn about the largest rodents here or anywhere at the Abilene Zoo....
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Ring-tailed Lemur

Mammal

Meet

Our Ring-tailed Lemur

Learn more about this 'stink-fighting' endangered species at the Abilene Zoo....
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Fossa

Mammal

Meet

Our Fossa

Meet Lavavolo - but we call her Volo for short. This spunky gal is part...
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North American Porcupine

Mammal

Meet

Our North American Porcupine

Welcome to the Abilene Zoo’s webpage dedicated to the fascinating North American Porcupine! The North...

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Bobcat

Mammal

Meet

Our Bobcat

The bobcat is a medium-sized wild cat found throughout North America. This elusive feline is...

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North American River Otter

Mammal

Meet

Our North American River Otter

Welcome to the Abilene Zoo’s webpage dedicated to the North American River Otter! The North...

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Cougar

Mammal

Meet

Our Cougar

Also known as the Mountain Lion, Puma, or Panther, the Cougar (Puma concolor) is an...

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North American Bullfrog

Amphibian

Meet

Our North American Bullfrog

Meet Jeremiah. He's a good friend of mine. This North American Bullfrog is just one...
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Caribbean Flamingo

Bird

Meet

Our Caribbean Flamingo

Caribbean Flamingo or Phoenicopterus ruber is a large species of flamingo closely related to the...
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Giraffe

Mammal

Meet

Our Giraffe

Meet the tower of giraffe found at the Abilene Zoo....
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events

November 1-2
Celebrate life, culture, and remembrance at the first-ever Dia de los Muertos celebration, presented by Great Lakes Cheese. Experience a vibrant festival filled with live...
September 20, 2025
Come support World Rhino Day at Abilene Zoo on September 20st and enjoy unique experiences like story time with Uhuru, an enrichment craft station, face...
August 23, 2025
Baby Shark at Abilene Zoo!
June 21, 2025
Celebrate the world’s tallest animal on the longest day of the year! Get here early for yoga on Twiga Terrace, get a behind-the-scenes look during...
June 28, 2025
 Oh Goody! Peppa Pig is coming to Abilene Zoo for a muddy-puddly day of fun on Saturday, June 28th! Enjoy three live mini shows and...
September 30, 2025
MEMBERS AFTER-HOURS 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm Join us for an exclusive evening filled with up-close animal appearances, special animal enrichment, a behind-the-scenes experience,  delicious...
February 14, 2026
Send some love—or a little mischief—this Valentine’s Day with Boops & Booties, a fun fundraiser from Abilene Zoo! Each digital card is just $5. Digital...
Saturday February 14, 2026
Celebrate love and adventure at Abilene Zoo this Valentine’s Day! Plan a romantic date or a wild day with the whole family, our special Valentine’s...
April 18, 2026
The Abilene Zoo celebrates its Diamond Jubilee, marking 60 years in Grover Nelson Park. Guests will enjoy an evening filled with memories and milestones across...
December 12-23
Experience the magic of the season with Santa and his reindeer, the Grinch, and Mrs. Claus. Craft a toy at Santa's Workshop, journey through Beltway's...
October 11-12 / October 18-19 / October 25-26, 2025
Join us for an immersive fall festival experience including a NEW petting zoo, a live Creepy Creatures show, hay-bale maze, fun zones, fall treats, animal...
July 13, 2024
Captain's Breakfast at Abilene Zoo!
July 13, 2024
Octonauts at Abilene Zoo!
June 14, 2024 @ 5:30PM
Get WILD with up-close animal encounters, feast on barbecue and funnel cake fries, sip refreshing cocktails and cool drinks, while rockin' and roarin' to some...
May 17, 2025
Join us as we honor and thank our military! All military, veterans, and their families receive free admission with military or dependent ID. Pick up...
Saturday July 19, 2025
Come celebrate Abilene Zoo's birthday!
March 7-22, 2026
Wild Days presented by Whataburger is the ultimate family experience for an exciting Spring Break adventure!
October 11-12 / October 18-19 / October 25-26, 2025
Become a Vendor Treat Station! ​ Promote your business to more than 20,000 guests and be a part of the fun as a vendor treat...
October 5, 2023 @ 6:00-9:00PM
Buy your spot at an exclusive after-hours dinner at the Zoo! Enjoy a gourmet meal prepared by a local celebrity chef, specialty wine, and a...

Tours

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Animal Ambassador Tour

Start Time(s): 1:00 pm
Price: $30 per person 3 yrs and up. Admission is not included. 20% off for members!
Duration: 45 Minutes, Available Everyday

Go behind the scenes with our Animal Ambassador Team and encounter some of your favorite animals! Many of these animals are rescued through Abilene Zoo or other conservation organizations, and you can learn their stories of strength and resilience. Plus, this tour allows you to touch and take photos with some of Abilene’s favorite creatures that you often see on television or at community events.

Each tour features a behind the scenes journey. Animals subject to change each tour due to community events or education commitments, but the Animal Ambassador collection includes more than 50 exciting species.

Experience Animal Ambassadors like…

  • Red Kangaroo
  • Kookaburra
  • Prehensile-tailed Porcupine
  • Three Species of Armadillo
  • American Alligator
  • Barred Owl
  • Tenrec
  • Black Vulture
  • Red Tailed Boa
  • Swainson’s Hawk
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Sloth Tour

Start Time(s): Sunday, Monday, Friday at 11 a.m.
Price: $65 per person, 3 yrs and up. Admission not included. 20% off for members!
Duration: 20 - 30 minutes

Step into the slow and serene world of one of nature’s most charming creatures — the sloth! On this intimate tour, you’ll get a chance to observe these amazing animals up close as our expert keeper shares fascinating insights about sloth behavior, biology, and conservation. Perfect for animal lovers and nature enthusiasts, this unforgettable experience combines education, relaxation, and a rare opportunity to connect with these charismatic critters. 

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Aldabra Tortoise and Steenbok Tour

Start Time(s): 11:00 a.m.
Price: $25 per person, 3 yrs and up Admission not included. 20% off for members!
Duration: 20 - 30 minutes, Available Sunday-Wednesday

Get up-close and personal with two incredible African animals — the giant, yet gentle Aldabra tortoise and the small and speedy steenbok! On this unique tour, you get a front row seat with these amazing creatures to learn all about their habits, habitats, and surprising survival skills.  Perfect for animal lovers and curious explorers, this tour offers a rare chance to connect with two very different, but equally captivating species. 

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Giant Anteater Tour

Start Time(s): 11:00 a.m. - Tours unavailable January through March due to temps
Price: $25 per person, 3 yrs and up. Admission not included. 20% off for members!
Duration: 20 - 30 Minutes, Available Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays

Get ready to meet one of the most unique and fascinating creatures in the animal kingdom — the giant anteater! On this tour, you’ll come face-to-fur with these incredible insect-eaters, famous for their long snouts, bushy tails, and super sticky tongues.  Our expert keepers will share cool facts about their diet, habits, and amazing adaptations that help them thrive in the wild. Perfect for anyone curious about nature’s quirky wonders!

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Reptile Tour

Start Time(s): 1:30 p.m.
Price: $25 per person, 3 yrs and up. Admission is not included. 20% off for members!
Duration: 20 - 30 Minutes, Tuesdays - Saturdays

Get ready to slither, crawl, and hiss your way into the fascinating world of reptiles! Chill out with some of the coolest cold-blooded creatures in the zoo on a behind-the-scenes adventure with our sleek snakes, tough turtles, and lively lizards. Whether you’re a reptile rookie or a seasoned fang-fan, this tour is your ticket to exploring the wild world of scales and tails up close and personal!

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Giraffe Tour

Start Time(s): 2:00 p.m.
Price: $30 per person, 3 yrs and up. Admission is not included. 20% off for members!
Duration: 20 – 30 Minutes, Available Everyday

Ready to hang out with some of the tallest—and coolest—animals around? Join our Giraffe Tour and get up close with these long-necked legends! Watch them stretch their necks to snack on tasty leaves and lettuce, show off their funky spots, and maybe even give you a giraffe-sized wink. Our keepers will share stories and fun facts that’ll have you laughing and learning at the same time. Ready to see the world from a different point of view? This tour is for you!  

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