Austin Zoo
A charming rescue zoo in Austin, TX, offering close encounters with rescued big cats, monkeys, and more, plus a fun train ride.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temps, active animals
Austin Zoo
Best Time
Cooler temps, active animals
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming rescue zoo in Austin, TX, offering close encounters with rescued big cats, monkeys, and more, plus a fun train ride.
"It's a heartwarming experience, and the staff is wonderful, the place is educational and has a rustic adventure trail kind of vibe."
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Paths are mostly gravel, so good walking shoes are a must for exploring.
💰 Pack Your Own Snacks
No food stands on-site, so bring your own treats and drinks.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Rescued Big Cats
Big Cat Enclosures
See lions, tigers, and cougars up close in their rescue habitats. A truly impactful sight.
Interactive Petting Zoo
Petting Zoo Area
Feed and interact with friendly farm animals. Kids love this hands-on experience.
Scenic Train Ride
Zoo Train Station
Enjoy a charming train tour offering unique views of the zoo grounds.
Roaming Peacocks
Throughout the Zoo
Vibrant peacocks wander freely, adding a splash of color and surprise to your visit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Rescue Mission
Plan for Terrain and Time
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Paths are mostly gravel, so good walking shoes are a must for exploring.
💰 Pack Your Own Snacks
No food stands on-site, so bring your own treats and drinks.
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time and potentially money by purchasing your Austin Zoo tickets in advance.
☀️ Visit During Cooler Months
Animals are more active and it's more comfortable for you in spring or fall.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Paths are mostly gravel, so good walking shoes are a must for exploring.
💰 Pack Your Own Snacks
No food stands on-site, so bring your own treats and drinks.
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time and potentially money by purchasing your Austin Zoo tickets in advance.
☀️ Visit During Cooler Months
Animals are more active and it's more comfortable for you in spring or fall.
🚂 Don't Miss the Train
The train ride offers great views and is a fun experience for all ages.
🥬 Buy Animal Feed
Interactive feeding opportunities are a highlight, especially for kids.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Austin Zoo is a beloved rescue sanctuary offering an intimate experience with a variety of animals, including big cats and a petting zoo. Visitors appreciate the hands-on encounters and the zoo's dedication to animal welfare, though the gravel paths and lack of food vendors are noted drawbacks. It's a great half-day outing for families seeking an educational and heartwarming visit. +1
"Austin Zoo like many said is a small zoo. It is a good one for families with kiddos where you can get close to the various animals. Since it is a rescue zoo there aren't any rhinos, giraffes, or elephants. Thus do have the big cats and bears. They have a train and a good size area where you can feed animals. Overall a good place to visit and it can be fully done in a few hours."
T W
"Okay, let me first preface this and say Austin Zoo is tiny. Because they are a rescue zoo. My husband and I walked the entire thing in about an hour.
However, they do have animal interactions and they DO NOT force the animals to “behave” or “perform.” Which for me is important. I want to spend time with them but respect the animal’s space.
It also gives me comfort that if they want to be in the shade, rather than the blazing sun for our viewing pleasure, they are allowed that and not prevented from seeking comfort.
The staff is wonderful, the place is educational and has a rustic adventure trail kind of vibe. Peacocks roam freely and are excited when the Capys get lettuce! lol. It was a heartwarming experience.
Side note: we went in May just before it was sweltering hot but still pretty toasty for us and some of the animals. A better time to visit (in my opinion) is late fall or spring, especially if doing an animal encounter!"
Vanessa Graber-Salinas
"Intimate rescue zoo. Laid back and easy to navigate. Reasonably priced. Zoo keepers are friendly and informative. Peacocks roam free which is fun for kids.
Great place to bring the family. Most areas are gravel and uneven terrain. Heavy duty strollers and wagons can handle the landscape. Wear good walking shoes. Moderately shaded.
Anticipate spending about 2 hours here with small children to get a decent experience. Not all exhibits had animals (to be expected). But there’s plenty to see and a petting zoo."
Patricia Stafford
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Austin Zoo is located at 10808 Rawhide Trail, Austin, TX 78738.
Driving is the most common way to reach the Austin Zoo. Public transportation options are limited in this area. Consider ride-sharing services if you're not driving.
The zoo's pathways are primarily gravel and can be uneven, making it challenging for strollers and wheelchairs. Heavy-duty strollers or wagons might fare better.
Austin Zoo is typically open daily, with hours often extending during Spring Break. It's best to check their official website for the most current operating hours.
Yes, there is a parking lot available at the Austin Zoo. It's generally not too large, and crowds can be small, especially on weekday mornings.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, but expect around $18.95 for general admission.
Yes, you can purchase tickets at the entrance, but buying them online in advance is recommended to save time and ensure entry, especially during peak seasons.
Look for Austin Zoo coupons or deals online, especially during certain months or for specific events.
While not explicitly mentioned in all sources, many zoos offer memberships for frequent visitors. It's worth checking their official website for membership options.
Children are welcome at the Austin Zoo. Pricing often varies by age, with younger children potentially having lower admission fees.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll find a variety of rescued animals, including big cats (lions, tigers), bears, monkeys, reptiles, and birds. They also have a petting zoo area.
Yes, Austin Zoo offers animal interactions and feeding opportunities, like with the capybaras. They emphasize respecting the animals' space and comfort.
Absolutely! It's a great place for families with young children, offering interactive experiences like the petting zoo and train ride.
Most visitors spend about 2-3 hours exploring the zoo, especially with children. It's a compact zoo, so you can see most of it in a few hours.
The terrain is mostly gravel and can be uneven, so comfortable walking shoes are essential. It's not ideal for all strollers or wheelchairs.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Currently, there are no restaurants or food stands within the Austin Zoo. It's recommended to bring your own snacks and drinks for your visit.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and beverages into the zoo.
There are limited dining options immediately surrounding the zoo. You may need to drive a short distance back towards central Austin for a wider selection of restaurants.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture close-ups of the rescued big cats, playful animals in the petting zoo, and the vibrant peacocks roaming freely.
Yes, photography is generally allowed for personal use. Be mindful of any specific signage or staff instructions.
Early mornings or late afternoons often provide softer lighting and more active animals, leading to better photo opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 The train ride is another highlight that kids absolutely love, providing a unique way to see the zoo. While the gravel paths can be a bit tricky with strollers, the overall experience is very engaging for younger visitors. 💰 Budget Travelers
The compact size means you can have a fulfilling experience without needing to spend an entire day or a large amount of money. ❤️ Animal Lovers & Advocates
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Rescue Mission of Austin Zoo
Because of its rescue focus, you won't find the typical large zoo inhabitants like giraffes or elephants. Instead, the zoo houses a variety of rescued big cats, bears, monkeys, reptiles, and birds.
However, this rescue mission also means the zoo operates on a tighter budget.
Navigating Austin Zoo: Terrain and Accessibility
Despite the terrain, the zoo is relatively compact, making it manageable for most visitors. The layout is designed to be explored in a few hours, which is perfect for families with young children who may have shorter attention spans.
For those who might find the gravel paths difficult, consider focusing on the areas closest to the entrance or utilizing the train ride for a different perspective.
The staff are generally friendly and can offer guidance on the best routes or areas to explore. Interactive Experiences and Animal Encounters
These encounters are a big hit with children and provide memorable photo opportunities. What many visitors appreciate is the zoo's commitment to not forcing animals to perform or behave unnaturally for entertainment.
Beyond the general feeding opportunities, keep an eye out for special events or scheduled encounters. While not as extensive as some other animal ranches, the focus remains on genuine interaction and education about the rescued animals.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit