Abilene Zoological Gardens

Abilene Zoological Gardens, also known as The Abilene Zoo, is a non-profit organization based in Abilene, Texas. The zoo employs 17 people and generates an annual revenue of $50 million. Established in 1919, the zoo moved to its current sixteen-acre location in Nelson Park in 1966. Abilene Zoological Gardens houses over 1,000 animals representing more than 250 species from around the world. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring native Texas species, such as Attwater's Prairie Chicken, Ocelot, Greater Roadrunner, Swift Fox, Ring-tailed Cat, Burrowing Owl, Black-Footed Ferret, and Whooping Crane. The zoo actively participates in over 30 Species Survival Plan (SSP) programs, working to conserve endangered species. A member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) since 1985, Abilene Zoological Gardens received the prestigious Quarter Century of Continuous Accreditation Award in 2015. This recognition highlights the zoo's commitment to maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare and care. Through the "Quarters for Conservation" program, the zoo supports nearly two dozen local and international conservation efforts. For more information, visit abilenezoo.org.