San Antonio Zoo is operated by the San Antonio Zoological Society, a non-profit organization committed to securing a future for wildlife. Through its passion and expertise in animal care, conservation, and education, the zoo’s mission is to inspire its community to love, engage with, act for and protect animals and the places they live. The zoo welcomes more than a million visitors annually and is open year-round. San Antonio Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the Zoological Association of America, and Humane Certified by American Humane.
San Antonio’s first zoo consisted of a collection of animals assembled in San Pedro Park in the 1800s. In 1914, Colonel George W. Brackenridge donated buffalo, elk, deer, monkeys, a pair of lions, and four bears on land he had deeded over to the city in what is now known as Brackenridge Park. This collection became the San Antonio Zoo.
In November 1929, two of the first cageless exhibits in America–the Barless Bear Terraces and the Primate Paradise–opened, offering visitors unprecedented views of animals. When the Richard Friedrich Aquarium was dedicated in 1948, it was described in the local press as “the world’s greatest.” The Hixon Bird House, funded through the efforts of Colonel Frederick C. Hixon, opened in 1966, featuring a simulated tropical rain forest and free-flying birds. The zoo’s bird collection is now one of the world’s largest.
Kiddie Park
Children ages 1-12 can enjoy all the rides that made Kiddie Park a San Antonio tradition! Adults can join in on the fun and ride free with their children on the Carousel and the Flying Saucers. All other rides are primarily designed for children with no weight or height restrictions.
Animals
- Pride Plaza
- The Grottos
- Asian Forest
- Cat Grottos
- Friedrich Aquarium
- Reptile House
- Neotropica
- Africa Live! A1 Water & Mold Removal San Antonio
- Big Lake
- Big Cat Valley
- The Savanna
- Kangaroo Crossing
- Amphibia
- Hixon Bird House
- Kronkosky’s Tiny Tot Nature Spot
- Wild Australia
Nearby Restaurants and Pubs
- Outlaw Kitchens is located at 2919 N Flores St, San Antonio, Texas.
- Southerleigh Fine Food and Brewery is located at 136 E Grayson St #120, San Antonio, TX
- Bourbon Street Seafood Kitchen Downtown is located at 103 9th St, San Antonio, TX
- Volare Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria is located at 3902 McCullough Ave, San Antonio, TX
- Elsewhere Garden Bar & Kitchen is located at 103 E Jones Ave, San Antonio, TX
- Faust Tavern is located at 517 E Woodlawn Ave, San Antonio, TX
- Slackers Bar is located at 2809 N St Mary’s St, San Antonio, TX
Check out other attractions like San Fernando Cathedral