Cameron Park Zoo in Waco, Texas

Cameron Park Zoo in Waco, Texas is composed of 52-acres, and was first opened to the public in 1955. A group of wildlife lovers wanted to create a recreation and educational facility, initially establishing the Central Texas Zoological Society. In 1981, major expansion plans were established, and in 1989, a country wide bond was issued to redevelop Cameron Park. The area was turned in Cameron Park Zoo and once the expansion project was completed, the old facility was closed and the new one opened on July 18th, 1993.

The Cameron Park Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, meaning it has met a rigorous set of standards in animal care, science, wildlife conservation and education. The zoo is opened year-round; the hours of operation are Monday through Saturday from 9 am until 5 pm, and on Sunday from 11 am until 5 pm. Cameron Park Zoo is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day, as well as the last Friday and Saturday in June.

Exhibits at the zoo range from the typical to the more exotic, and some of the animals found at the facility are endangered or threatened. Interesting areas to explore while at the zoo are displays of gibbons, meerkats, antelopes, and white rhinoceros. Species featured at the zoo come from areas in North and South America, Africa, Europe and Asia.

Recently the zoo added a large reptile house, an African lion exhibit, and a lemur habitat called Lemur Island, a large open display. In 2005, a new area of the zoo was opened, called the Brazos River Country exhibit, which begins with visitors entering the hull of a sunken Spanish galleon. Once inside, visitors will discover a 50,000-gallon saltwater coral reef aquarium, showcasing fish native to the Flower Garden Reef in the Gulf of Mexico. Exiting the ship, takes visitors to a boardwalk, at the sandy beach visitors can picnic and enjoying viewing gulls, pelicans and other sea birds flying overhead.

Another stop along the way includes the East Texas Forest Region exhibit. Here guests will discover black bears, cougars, river otters and coyotes. Kids are invited to climb the ladder into the Forest Rangers fire tower and then slide down a clear tube which extends through the river otter pool. Waco, Texas history is showcased in the Blackland Prairie/Post Oak Savannah exhibit. The highlights of the exhibit are replicas of Huaco Indian huts, and caves of the Brazos River, which features a 35,000-gallon freshwater tank and a smaller tank which contain prehistoric looking paddlefish.

Cameron Park Zoo is committed to conservation and participates in the Species Survival Program. Throughout the year the facility offers several programs designed to engage guests of all ages and lay the foundations for wildlife appreciation and conservation. A visit to Cameron Park Zoo is a great way to spend time with friends and family and learn about the amazing world of animals.