Dallas is famous for its wide variety of locations that both locals and tourists love to visit. These include recreation areas, parks, squares, and lakes. The city is also home to several zoos, and today we’ll talk about one of them. The Dallas Zoo is one of the largest and oldest zoos in Dallas. Read more about it on dallas-name.com.
History of Creation
The Dallas Zoo is considered the oldest zoo in the state of Texas. It is located near the city of Dallas and was founded in 1888 as the first zoo in the American Southwest. Initially, the zoo housed only two deer and two mountain lions. From the very beginning, the zoo belonged to the City of Dallas, and over time, its management transitioned to a private organization — a successful example of a public-private partnership.
Over the years, the Dallas Zoo introduced new, unique exhibits and created areas for different species. By the early 20th century, visitors could already see elephants and bison. Since 1988, the zoo has been accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
Development of the Dallas Zoo
One unique feature of the zoo was the monorail, opened in 1990 as part of the Wilds of Africa expansion. It was designed to give visitors an elevated, safari-style view of the animals. Guests could observe hippos, chimpanzees, Nile crocodiles, and penguins from above. The ride lasted around 15 minutes and quickly became one of the zoo’s favorite attractions.
The monorail operated smoothly along its designated route until 2014, when technical malfunctions and power outages became more frequent. At times, passengers were even stranded in the cars. As a result, the attraction was temporarily closed for inspection. Two years later, the monorail underwent major upgrades. The renovation cost $3 million and included updated electrical and mechanical systems, air conditioning in some cars, a new sound system, and revamped station facilities (ramps, handrails, and automatic gates). A diesel-powered tug was also purchased to assist in case of power failure.
The modernized monorail, renamed the Wilds of Africa Adventure Safari, was extremely popular among visitors. However, the monorail was permanently closed in 2020.
Today, the Dallas Zoo spans 106 acres and is home to more than 2,000 animals. Each year, it welcomes over one million visitors and stands as an important cultural and educational hub for Dallas and Texas.
As for operating hours, they vary by season.
– From March 1 to June 30: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
– From July 1 to August 29: weekdays 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m., weekends 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
– From August 30 to the end of February: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Ticket prices start at $18.
The Dallas Zoo also has clear rules designed to ensure the safety of visitors, animals, and staff. The main rules include:
- No pets are allowed on zoo grounds.
- Scooters, rollerblades, and similar transport devices are prohibited.
- Visitors must follow the zoo’s operating hours.
- Smoking and e-cigarettes are not allowed.
- Do not touch or feed the animals; observe them from a safe distance.
- Maintain cleanliness and follow all posted guidelines.
This is the fascinating zoo located near Dallas. We hope this article was informative and helped you learn more about your city. Do you enjoy visiting the zoo?
