Zoos to Check Out in Tyler, TX

Visiting the Zoo is a fun way to spend a sunny afternoon, or to teach your kids about the wonders of biology. If you live near Tyler, Texas, then you have access to some of the best zoos in the states. If you’re interested in planning a trip to one of these exciting locations, you might want to read about some of your options. To help you plan your trip, our staff has created a list of some of the best zoos in Tyler.

Caldwell Zoo

The Caldwell Zoo is one of the largest and most well-known zoos in the greater Tyler area. This community staple features dozens of different animal species to enjoy, with tours and classes available that are fun for the whole family. Sprawling across over 100 acres, the Caldwell Zoo is home to giraffes, elephants, exotic cats, and a variety of different reptile species. The Zoo operates several different breeding programs designed to help keep its animal populations healthy. The staff can also provide interesting information about how their programs work.

If you’re looking for a zoo that’s as entertaining as it is informative, then the Caldwell Zoo is one of your best options. Officially opened in 1953, the zoo has been in continual operation for nearly 70 years. Over the years, the Zoo has shifted its focus toward the care and rehabilitation of protected animal species, so it provides a great opportunity to teach your kids about the importance of conservation. There is also a large aquarium exhibit full of interesting aquatic life to enjoy.

The Cherokee Trace Drive-Thru Safari

If you want to observe exotic animals without leaving the comfort of your car, then the Cherokee Trace Drive-Thru Safari is the perfect destination for your family. This interactive safari is one of the must-see locations in Tyler. Featuring over 38 species of animals from around the world, the Drive-Thru Safari offers you a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to observe strange and fascinating animals up close. The safari is home to zebras, gazelles, bison, deer, and even alligators, so there’s something for every type of animal lover.

If you’re looking for the perfect way to spend an afternoon in Tyler, you can’t beat the Drive-Thru Safari. With tours available for groups of over 50 people, coming to the safari can be a great way to entertain family visiting from out of town, or as a field trip destination for your kid’s class. If you plan on visiting, then make sure to read all the safety information before driving through the safari. Since you get the privilege of seeing animals up close, it’s important to respect their space and follow all the rules.

Tiger Creek Animal Sanctuary

For a great way to spend an afternoon enjoying the local weather, you can spend an afternoon at the Tiger Creek Animal Sanctuary. The Tiger Creek Animal Sanctuary provides rehabilitation and care for big cats that have been mistreated by private owners. If you’ve always wanted to see these majestic creatures up close, then booking a tour of this sanctuary might be something you’re interested in. Tiger Creek houses a variety of large cat species that include tigers, leopards, lions, and more.

There are also educational opportunities for you and your family to learn about the importance of protecting these wild creatures. If you want to take your kids to a zoo but are worried about how the animals are treated, then bringing them to the Tiger Creek Animal Sanctuary is a great option. This amazing facility helps nurse these big cats back to health while also teaching the public about the dangers of keeping wild pets as animals.

East Texas Gators & Wildlife Park

The East Texas Gators & Wildlife Park is located just outside of Dallas. If you’re fascinated by these scaly reptiles, then you’re going to love feeding them in person at this wildlife park. The East Texas Gators & Wildlife Park is famous for its hands-on gator exhibits where you can experience the full life cycle of these magnificent creatures. Depending on when you visit, you might be able to witness alligators hatching from their eggs. If you visit in the warm months when they are most active, you can see the alligators interact with each other and their handlers.

If you’re planning a weekend event in the colder months of the year, you might have trouble seeing the alligators, as they spend most of the winter resting. The other animals at the East Texas Gators & Wildlife Park will still provide endless entertainment for you and your family. Besides just alligators, you can see monkeys, lemurs, exotic cats, turtles, and barnyard animals at this zoo.

Black Beauty Ranch

The Black Beauty Ranch is an animal sanctuary that protects the lives of creatures who faced dangerous conditions as part of illegal pet trades or unregulated zoos. The ranch is home to over 1,000 domestic and exotic animals who have been rescued from harsh living conditions. While Black Beauty Ranch is not an official zoo, it is still open to the public a few times each month. The ranch staff offer guided tours and educational lectures that teach visitors about the conditions that some of their animals had to endure before being rescued.

Black Beauty Ranch features bison, antelope, apes, camels, tigers, horses, and many other animals. These creatures have been saved and now live full-time on the ranch. If you want to visit this amazing location, then you should check the website to see when the next available tour is. If you want to visit an establishment where the focus is truly on the well-being of the animals, then this ranch is your best option.

These are some of our favorite zoos to visit here in Tyler. What do you think about our list? Did we miss one of your favorite locations? If so, please contact us so one of our team members can update the article.