The zoo's site was originally an old rock quarry, which provides the distinctive limestone cliff walls seen throughout the exhibits.
It is the site of the first successful captive breeding of the endangered whooping crane.
The San Antonio Zoo Eagle train has been in operation since 1956 and travels through nearby Brackenridge Park.
The zoo features a dedicated exhibit for the Karst topography native to the Texas Hill Country.
The facility is home to an extensive collection of rare and endangered species, including the critically endangered African painted dog.
It maintains a deep focus on the conservation of native Texas species, specifically the Houston toad and various species of freshwater mussels.
The San Antonio Zoo spans 54 acres within Brackenridge Park and houses approximately 750 species of animals. It is globally recognized as the first zoo to successfully hatch endangered whooping cranes in captivity. The facility features the San Antonio Zoo Eagle, a miniature train that circles through the park and zoo grounds. Diverse habitats include the Hixon Bird House, the Africa Live! exhibit featuring hippos and Nile crocodiles, and the Big Cat Valley. The zoo emphasizes conservation through its Center for Conservation and Research. It serves as a major regional hub for wildlife education and habitat preservation programs. The grounds are built into an old limestone quarry, creating unique naturalistic cliff-side barriers for certain enclosures. It operates as an AZA-accredited facility focusing on both local Texas wildlife and international exotic species.
The elevated boardwalks in the Africa Live! exhibit provide an unobstructed view of the hippos and the surrounding quarry cliffs.
Wear comfortable, broken-in walking shoes to navigate the hilly terrain and paved inclines.
Check the zoo's online calendar for animal feeding demonstrations and keeper talks to optimize your route.
Bring a refillable water bottle to utilize the hydration stations located throughout the park.
Attempting to cover the entire 54-acre site in a single, rushed trip; missing the back-of-house education centers; ignoring the hilly incline of the quarry area.
Maintain a quiet volume near animal enclosures to avoid stressing wildlife; do not tap on glass or feed animals outside of designated areas.
