The San Antonio Zoo

History

The San Antonio Zoo started as just a small collection of animals. In 1914, Colonel George Brackenridge donated a small plot of land along with a few species of animals, including lions, bears, monkeys, and deer. Cage less exhibits, which make viewing the animals easier, were added in the 1920s.

Today, the San Antonio Zoo has grown considerably. It sits on almost 60 acres of land, and it is home to several hundred species of animals.  

Animals and Attractions

The San Antonio Zoo houses nearly 4,000 mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and birds. The different enclosures and exhibits are thoughtfully laid out, so visitors can not only view the animals, but also see how they live in the wild. Some of their major attractions include an African habitat, a gibbon forest, a tropical rainforest, an aquarium, a butterfly garden, and a lorikeet house.

Africa Live is one of the most spectacular exhibits in the San Antonio Zoo. This exhibit is set up to mimic an African habitat after the rainy season. A myriad of African animals and plants can be seen here. Underwater viewing windows will even help you see swimming hippos up close and personal.

Lorry Landing houses hundreds of lorikeets, or lorries, birds native to the tropical areas of the South Pacific and Australia. Visitors can also purchase a cup of nectar for a small fee and feed the lorries.

There are also several attractions at the San Antonio Zoo geared toward small children. In Kronsky's Tiny Tot Nature Spot, for instance, toddlers are welcome to get hands on and explore. Here they can feed the animals, or get a little dirty playing in the mud and grass.

Special Events

Nearly every month, the San Antonio Zoo has a theme day. A particular animal or habitat is typically the focus on this day. Special activities and events are scheduled on each theme day.

Night tours of the museum are also offered periodically. During these tours, visitors will have a chance to explore the zoo after hours. Some nights you may also be able to camp out in the zoo.

Hotels Near the San Antonio Zoo

The 1908 Ayers Inn is located on West Woodlawn Avenue, roughly a mile and a half away from the zoo. It has five luxurious, yet reasonably priced rooms available for guests. Four of these five rooms also come complete with whirlpool tubs. There are king sized beds in each room, along with a complimentary cell phone for use during your stay.

Simpler accommodations can be found at a Super 8 motel on St. Mary's Street. Along with reasonable prices, guests can look forward to free breakfasts and an outdoor pool.