Although most people associate wolves with cold-weather regions such as Alaska and Canada, a handful of zoos in Texas feature the famed howling mammals. These zoos include wolves from warm-weather regions, including the red, maned and Mexican wolves, commonly found in such areas as the Southeastern United States, South America, Mexico, Arizona and New Mexico.
In Nelson Park, Abilene Zoo (abilenezoo.org) features 600 animals, including Bengal tigers, maned wolves, jaguars and rattlesnakes. Visitors may "adopt" those animals as well, with donations geared toward improving habitat space. A Safari Express train takes visitors around the zoo. Established in 1919, the zoo is open every day except Christmas, Thanksgiving and New Year Day.
El Paso Zoo
El Paso Zoo (elpasozoo.org) features a host of animals from around the world and divides exhibits into three district regions: Africa, Americas and Asia. The zoo includes Mexican wolves, barn owls, zebras, giraffes and Asian elephants. Additional attractions include the African Star train ride and the El Paso Water Utility Education Discovery Center, which teaches both kids and adults about water conservation. Open every day except Christmas, Thanksgiving and New Year's Day, the zoo covers 35 acres.
Fossil Rim Wildlife Center
Visitors to Fossil Rim Wildlife Center (fossilrim.org) can only view the 1,700-acre park via a guided safari tram ride. Specialty tours include behind-the-scenes excursions, after-dark programs and feeding tours, which allow guests to become zookeepers for one morning. Located in Glen Rose, 75 miles southwest of Dallas, the center features more than 1,000 animals of 50 species, including cheetahs, bison and ostrich, as well as Mexican, red and maned wolves. Closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas and Thanksgiving, the park recommends reservations at least three days in advance.
In Hermann Park, 55-acre Houston Zoo (houstonzoo.org) hosts more than 6,000 animals, including exhibits like the African Forest, Duck Lake, Carnivores and World of Primates. Animals on hand include maned wolves, African lions, Malayan tigers, macaws and king vultures. The McGovern’s Children Zoo features a butterfly pavilion, petting zoo and playground. The zoo includes an aquarium, animal-themed carousel, 4-D ride and speaker series featuring conservationists and zoologists. The zoo closes only on Christmas Day.
The Texas Zoo
Founded in Victoria in 1976, The Texas Zoo (texaszoo.org) is inside Riverside Park. Covering six acres, the small zoo is home to 150 native Texas animals as well as exotic creatures. Highlighted animals include alligators, red wolves, tigers, baboons and lions. The zoo features a reptile house, petting zoo and fish and turtle moat with feeding box. The zoo is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
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