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The brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) is a coastal marvel: a large seabird with a dramatic...
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The sloth bear (Melursus ursinus), a shaggy-coated, insect-eating bear native to the Indian sub-continent, is...
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The American bison, often mistakenly called buffalo, is the emblem of strength and resilience in...
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The image of eight magical reindeer pulling Santa and his sleigh is a core Christmas...
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The Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura) is a fascinating and vital scavenger known for its...
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The Whooping Crane (Grus americana) is the tallest bird in North America and is celebrated...
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The Striped Skunk (Mephitis mephitis) is a small, nocturnal mammal known for its distinctive black...
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Meet
The Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is a powerful and majestic bird of prey, widely recognized...
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The Swainson’s Hawk (Buteo swainsoni) is a remarkable bird of prey native to North America,...
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The Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) is one of the most widespread and recognizable birds of...
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The Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus) is a scavenger bird native to the Americas, playing a...
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Known as the “Mexican Eagle” and the national bird of Mexico, the Crested Caracara (Caracara...
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The Black-footed Ferret is a small, carnivorous mammal that is native to North America. It...
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The Burrowing Owl is a small, ground-dwelling bird that is native to North and South...
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The Virginia Opossum, also known as the North American Opossum, is a marsupial native to...
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Jaguar What’s in the name jaguar? Jaguar is the name of one of the world’s...
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Welcome to the Abilene Zoo’s webpage dedicated to the fascinating North American Porcupine! The North...
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The bobcat is a medium-sized wild cat found throughout North America. This elusive feline is...
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Welcome to the Abilene Zoo’s webpage dedicated to the North American River Otter! The North...
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Also known as the Mountain Lion, Puma, or Panther, the Cougar (Puma concolor) is an...
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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…
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.Â
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.Â
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!
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!
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! Â