The Texas Zoo

About The Texas Zoo

The Texas Zoo is located at 110 Memorial Drive in Victoria, Texas, and operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, according to its website. The zoo's about page describes its mission as connecting people with wildlife from Texas and the rest of the world and advancing conservation through education, recreation, science and action. A shorter statement on the homepage says the zoo aims to connect the public to wildlife, to help visitors learn the importance these animals serve, and to inspire them to protect their wild counterparts.

The zoo says it houses more than 70 species, predominantly native to Texas with some from other parts of the world. According to the zoo, many of its residents are rescues that could not return to the wild or were surrendered by previous owners. The zoo is not accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

History

The zoo's history page traces its origins to 1957, when James L. Yates donated an African lioness to Mayor W. R. McCright, which inspired the creation of the Victoria City Zoo. Fire Marshal L. B. Richardson oversaw operations, and Sid Drew was hired as operator.

The history page lists a 1959 donation of a pair of bears by Tom O'Connor and Victoria Bank and Trust. In 1962, pharmacist B. E. Leissner and pest control operator Lester A. Meis proposed establishing a Zoo Commission, and the facility was renamed the Victoria Children's Zoo. The page says visitors from 107 cities, 19 states and Germany signed a guest register in the first nine days of the Children's Zoo.

On May 31, 1968, the Animal Kingdom building opened, housing approximately 200 animals representing 85 species, according to the page. The Texas Zoo opened in June 1976 at Riverside Park with natural habitat-style animal exhibits. The page credits fundraisers Robert Thomas, John Killough, Bob Woodman, Kathleen Grimes, Paco Buhler and David Smith.

In June 1984, the zoo received designation as the National Zoo of Texas from the 68th Texas Legislature, sponsored by Rep. Ken Armbrister and signed by Governor Mark White, according to the history page. In 2022 the zoo received American Rescue Plan Act funds from the City of Victoria, and in 2023 it engaged Stacey Ludlum of Felis Consulting to develop a master plan with input from Executive Director Bill Baker and the South Texas Zoological Society board of directors.

Exhibits and habitats

The animal encounters page names the species that take part in encounters: Texas tortoise, sulcata tortoise, ball python, umbrella cockatoo, savannah monitor, red and gray fox, red-tailed boa and black bear. The page sets minimum ages for each encounter, from age 3 for the Texas tortoise up to age 13 for the black bear.

Keeper chats take place on Saturdays and Sundays at 11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. The zoo says the featured animals vary and suggests calling the gift shop on the day of a visit to learn which animals are being highlighted.

The visitor information page says animals begin shifting into their night houses 30 minutes before closing.

Conservation and programs

Education. The zoo offers field trips, outreach programs and summer camp. For field trips, groups can take a self-guided tour with an optional 30-minute animal program that introduces three or four ambassador animals, which can be a bird, mammal or reptile, with the final animal available to touch gently. The field trip page lists the park's capacity as 200 for scheduling purposes.

Outreach programs include Herd Huddle, a 45-minute program for up to 25 people with two live animals, and Mob Mingle, a 45-minute program for groups of 26 or more with four live animals. Booth programs offer a biofacts collection with real or replica skulls, bones, feathers, footprints, pelts and preserved organisms, with or without live ambassador animals. Booth programs must be booked at least two weeks in advance.

The 2026 summer camp was listed for ages 5 to 13, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., over three weeks in July: Reptiles, Mammals and Birds Oh My, Complete Zootrition, and Zoo Keeper Week.

Wildlife rehabilitation referrals. The zoo's rehab list page provides contacts for local wildlife rehabilitators and states that the zoo does not intake wildlife. It advises that wild animals are not always abandoned and that parents are often nearby.

Memberships and reciprocity. The annual passes page lists several pass types and states that members receive free or discounted admission at a list of partner zoos under a voluntary reciprocal agreement that the zoo says is subject to change. Pass prices are listed on the zoo's website.

Events. The zoo lists Booze and BREW from October 24 to 31, 2026, and ZooBoo on October 31, 2026.

Planning your visit

Hours. As listed on the zoo's website, the zoo is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. from March through September and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from October through February. The zoo's website lists closures on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. No new admissions are permitted in the final 30 minutes before closing. Admission prices for adults, children and toddlers are on the zoo's website.

Rules. According to the guest services page, visitors should stay on the paths, not reach into or climb on exhibits, not feed or touch the animals, and avoid loud noises or tapping on glass. Non-compliance may result in removal.

Food and pets. The FAQ says outside food and drink are not allowed, with exceptions for bottled water and baby food or formula. Pets are not allowed for biosecurity reasons. Service animals are permitted and must be registered at the gift shop on arrival; emotional support, assistance and companion animals are not.

Accessibility and services. The zoo lists free easy-access parking, strollers for rent, and one wheelchair that guests can use free of charge but cannot reserve. It advises calling ahead to confirm. Major credit cards and tap-to-pay are accepted.

Weather. The zoo is open rain or shine unless severe weather poses a threat to safety, and the FAQ says no refunds are offered for inclement weather.

Contact. The listed phone number is 361-573-7681.