In 1990, the Good Day Ranch opened about 24 kilometres west of downtown Austin, Texas today it is known as the Austin Zoo. Many changes have taken place since 1990, and the zoo now covers eight hectares of land and features more than 300 animals and over 100 diverse species.
The zoo's entry fee goes toward the zoo’s conservation program, which has been rescuing threatened and unwanted animals from both domestic situations and from the wild since the zoo's inception. The Austin Zoo is home to several endangered species, including the Bengal tiger and the cougar. The mission of Austin Zoo and Animal Sanctuary is to assist animals in need through rescue, rehabilitation, and education. In 2012, the zoo rescued about a dozen animals, including tigers, lambs, and foxes which were all in need of a safe home.
The zoo is divided into animal families. There are big cats, which include lions, jaguars, and the resident tigers, Caesar and Kila. There are monkeys from both Africa and South America, as well as lemurs from Madagascar. Bird enthusiasts will enjoy the spectacle of flightless emus, chatty cockatoos, and pretty peacocks which roam freely around the zoo. There are a host of other mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and domestic animals as well.
Stop by the gift shop for treats of all kinds, from stuffed friends to animal feed. For a small fee, take a bag of feed with you and enjoy the petting section of the zoo. Adults and children alike will enjoy feeding the deer, goats, and llamas. Children are encouraged to feed animals in the petting section.
There are no food stands or restaurants in the zoo, so be sure to plan ahead when you visit. The best way to reach the Austin Zoo is via car it is a short 20-minute drive from downtown Austin and free parking is available. The zoo is open year-round, but hours vary so check out the website for full details.
