The Dallas Zoo
The Dallas Zoo is the oldest zoo present in Texas having enough potential to represent a wide range of animal species by its unique collection of 2000 animals of 406 different species. It is the oldest zoological park in Texas which was established in the year 1888 as well as it is ranked as the largest zoological park in Texas by acquiring 106 acre area which is located 3 miles (5 km) south of the downtown Dallas, Texas, in Marsalis Park.
Being an accredited member of Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the Dallas Zoo is also a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA). The Dallas Zoo is being managed by the non-profit Dallas Zoological Society.
At the time of the introduction of this zoo there are only two mountain lions as well as two deer which were bought by the zoological authority for the cost of $60. After growing for several years now the Dallas Zoo becomes animal diversity spot which have the enough capability to amuse anyone by its several exhibits as well as it is the right place for the animal lovers, research workers and students too for studying the behaviours of varieties of animals. The main exhibits which attract more than 960000 visitors every year are described in brief in the following:
1. Zoo North : This is the oldest part of the Dallas Zoo, which consists of four major parts like Endangered Tiger Habitat, Children’s Zoo, BUG U!, Koala Walkabout.
a) The Endangered Tiger Habitat acquired 2 acre space where the Sumatran Tiger and Malayan Tiger present as the major exhibit which anyone can view from the other side of the glasses by following the pathways.
b) Children’s Zoo- It is mainly deals with the Nature Exchange, the JC Penney Discovery House, the UnderZone, a petting zoo, and pony rides.
c) BUG U! – This is the major collection of the invertebrates which comprises of a termite colony, black widows, Texas leafcutter ants, honey bee colony, and brown recluse spiders etc.
d) Koala Walkabout – This section is one of only ten in the nation to exhibit Koalas which was opened on the 10th March, 2012 and having species like koalas, red kangaroos, wallabies, kookaburras, a blue-tongued skink, and lorikeets.
2. Wilds of Africa : This area of the Dallas Zoo mainly represents the wildlife of the Africa having fpur major sections to exhibit like Penguin Cove, Chimpanzee Forest, Gorilla Research Center, Crocodile Isle, Forest Aviary, Monorail Safari, Giants of the Savanna.
a) Penguin Cove: This part of the Wilds of Africa consists of varieties of African Penguins which belongs to different species.
b) Chimpanzee Forest: The 19000 square foot area which comprises of different attractive features like stream, water fall, trees, rocks, artificial termite mounts. It is the house of the chimpanzees which is also equipped with 40 edible plants.
c) Gorilla Research Center: This part of the zoo is one of the major exhibit as well as attractive too as it comprises of two gorilla troops one is bachelor troop and the other is family troop. The names of the gorillas belong to the bachelor troop are Juba, B’wenzi, Shana, and Zola. The family troop has the Gorillas named as Subira, the silverback, Madge, Shanta, and Megan.
d) Crocodile Isle: This is the glass viewing area exhibits different behavioural activities of the Nile crocodiles.
e) Forest Aviary: Forest aviary consists of beautiful exotic birds as well as a wooded landscape, a tranquil stream and rock cliffs.
f) Monorail Safari: This enables the visitors to visit the rain forest (okapi), mountain (Nubian ibex), woodlands (Grévy’s zebra), river (waterbuck, greate white pallicans, Goliath herons, blue cranes), arid desert (scimitar-horned oryx, addra gazelle), semi-arid desert (addax, gemsbok, ostrich) and bush (gerenuk, red-crowned cranes, greater kudu, Thomson’s gazelle, marabou storks) which is the central point of visitors.
g) Giants of the Savanna: This widespread campus of 11 acre area consists of African elephants, a large herd of reticulated giraffes, lions, cheetahs, impala, Grant’s zebras, ostriches, guineafowl, warthogs, and red river hogs.
After knowing all the exhibits it can be undoubtedly said that one should visit this place to gain some wonderful experience for the first time.
Hours:
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. seven days a week.
Closed Christmas day.
Admission
$15.00 Adults (ages 12-64)
$12.00 Children (ages 3-11)
$12.00 Seniors(age 65 and up)
FREE Children (age 2 and under)
Visit there website for full details www.dallaszoo.com