A visit to the Zoo means more than family fun.
Nature with its unrivaled ability to instill a sense of peace and serenity has always been one of the best healers. So, when you need some time away from the hustle and bustle of your daily life, there’s no better place to go than the zoo. A place so close to the wild and yet so safe, it’s hard to imagine a better option for spending your day. And if you’re in the Fort Worth, Texas area, the Fort Worth Zoo is just what you need! Brining you and your family face-to-face with some of the world’s most exotic and beautiful animals, there’s no better place to appreciate nature. But what makes the Fort Worth Zoo so special? Let’s take a look!
History of Fort Worth Zoo
The mission of the Fort Worth Zoo is to “promote conservation, education and recreation by displaying and interpreting living animals in a family-oriented setting.”
Since its founding over 100 years ago, the zoo has been committed to providing an enjoyable experience for all while also working to save species from extinction. And they’re succeeding! The zoo currently houses over 7,000 animals across 500 different species and is involved in numerous breeding programs for endangered animals.
They’ve even had several success stories, such as their work with the scimitar horned oryx (a type of antelope) which was once thought to be extinct in the wild but has now been successfully reintroduced thanks to zoos like the Fort Worth Zoo.
Biggest Attractions at Fort Worth Zoo
To give you a glimpse of what to expect when you visit, here’s a breakdown of some of the zoo’s most popular exhibits.
Safari Splash
This exhibit is a great place for kids to cool off during the hot Texas summers. It features an African-themed water playground with dozens of interactive fountains, misting stations and a large waterfall that flows into a small pond where kids can feed and touch tilapia. Further boasting a zebra-striped cabana, this exhibit is perfect for a family photo op.
Conservation Projects
Indulge your inner conservationist by learning how the Fort Worth Zoo is helping to protect more than 30 species, including the Philippine crocodile, white-naped crane and Arabian oryx. The zoo is also working to restore a lion population in Tanzania—a perfect tie-in to the Fort Worth Zoo’s African Savannah, where you can see lions in person. The importance of this exhibit is that it teaches people about the importance of conserving different species, some of which are endangered. The exhibit also raises awareness about the work that zoos are doing to help protect these animals.
Texas Nature Traders
The Texas Nature Traders Exhibit is a great place to go if you have children. It’s an area where kids can take part in nature activities that help them learn about the natural world and how they can be good stewards of our environment by caring for animals, plants and trees.
Daily Events
There are many different events held daily at the Fort Worth Zoo, including Keeper Chats. These chats give visitors a chance to learn more about animals and how they are cared for at the zoo. Visitors can see zookeepers feeding animals, training them or cleaning their habitats. Beyond that, there are also programs for families and children, including the zoo’s Animal Adventures animal encounters.
This is a great way to get up close with some of their exotic animals. There is also a Kid’s Corner where children can play games, read books and do other activities that have to do with animals.
Visit The Fort Worth Zoo
The Fort Worth Zoo is a great place to learn about animals and their care. The zookeepers are knowledgeable and passionate about the work they do, and they’re always willing to share information with visitors. The zoo also has several programs for families and children, which makes it an ideal destination for a fun day out with the kids.
Image by Eric Kilby from USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Fort Worth Zoo. – Click here for dates, hours & directions
