Austin Zoo

Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio and Houston all have major zoos but leave it to Austin to have the funkiest, most laid-back zoo of all. The Austin Zoo is a rescue and rehabilitation zoo, home to many animals which have been removed or surrendered by owners because of their inability to care for exotic species. Some have been rescued from circuses, others given up by owners who just didn't realize an exotic animal wasn't the same as a dog or cat.

There's nothing fancy about this zoo but look for a wide variety of animals here: lions, tigers, cougars, Galapagos tortoises, monkeys, and more. There's an extensive petting zoo featuring potbellied pigs, Barbados sheep, pygmy goats, llama, and deer. A miniature train offers rides through nearby fields, home to Longhorn cattle, a Sicilian donkey, emu, zebra, and others.

Location: From Austin, take US 290 West 2.5 miles past the 290 & 71 split (the "Y" in Oak Hill) to Circle Drive. Turn right and continue for 1.5 miles to Rawhide Trail.  Turn right on Rawhide Trail and follow the signs one mile to the zoo. You'll find an extensive parking lot at the zoo.

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