So, there are Zoos with more money, more flash, more pizzaz. Other Zoos have state-of-the-art attractions and million dollar animal habitats.

But the Austrin Zoo is still the best zoo I have ever been too.

Why?
For one reason, because whenever you take your kids to the zoo, the inevitable question pops up: “Mommy, where did all these animals come from?”
Ooops!
If you’re at the Austin Zoo, you can answer: “They were rescued.”

That’s right, the Austin zoo is populated entirely by former exotic pets, smuggled wildlife, ex-circus animals, drug dealers’ decorations, and, in one case, a lion that was used as a guard dog in a junkyard.

The zoo inhabitants have found sanctuary in a lovely, shady, hill country site.

Did I mention the SHADE?
The trees at the zoo’s hill country site were left, some in the animals’ enclosures, and some along the paths meant for people. Paths of crushed gravel, with not a sidewalk in sight! And the paths get really, really, ohmygosh really close to the animals! Even through a double fence, a Bengal tiger only six feet away is not something you’re likely to ever forget.

In addition to the moral highground and shade found at the hilltop zoo, there is loads of fun to be had. Kids just love this zoo! Field trippers and birthday partiers can’t get enough of it. The kids can really get close to the animals, and kids love animals. If your’s are mischeivious, warn them ahead of time not to chase the peacocks that freely roam the zoo.

The Austin Zoo also has a zoo train that runs every hour, and eating facilities. And don’t forget the petting zoo: I’ve never met a friendlier bunch of goats and llamas in my life. They were even gentle with tots barely walking!

When you go to the Austrin Zoo, be careful to follow the signs to the Zoo, not the signs for a place called the “Sanctuary” which offensively enough sells exotic pets!
The “Sanctuary”’s days are hopefully limited, though: on their website, the Austin Zoo states: “Along with a sanctuary in San Antonio, Austin Zoo has gained national acclaim and is working to promote legislation that will make it harder for small, roadside “zoos” with mistreated animals to exist.”