Dallas Zoo
Dallas Zoo (also called the Dallas Zoological Park) is a 106-acre (43 ha) zoo located 3 mi (5 km) south of downtown Dallas, Texas, in Marsalis Park. Established in 1888, it is the oldest and largest zoological park in Texas and is managed by the non-profit Dallas Zoological Society. It is home to over 2,000 animals representing 406 species. It is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), and is a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA).
| Dallas Zoo | |
|---|---|
Entrance to the Dallas Zoo | |
| 32°44′24″N 96°48′54″W | |
| Date opened | 1888 |
| Location | Dallas, Texas, U.S. |
| Land area | 106 acres (43 ha) |
| No. of animals | 2,000+ |
| No. of species | 406 |
| Annual visitors | 1+ million |
| Memberships | AZA, WAZA |
| Major exhibits | Gorilla Research Center, Endangered Tiger Habitat, Chimpanzee Forest, Simmons Hippo Outpost, Penguin Cove, Giants of the Savanna |
| Public transit access | Dallas Area Rapid Transit:
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| Website | www |
In 2009, the Dallas City Council unanimously approved the construction of the 11 acres (4.5 ha) Giants of the Savanna Exhibit, and also voted to privatize the zoo. In recent years, attendance has surged. In 2015, the zoo achieved an annual attendance of 1 million+ visitors for the first time. The Dallas Zoological Society is supported by over 25,500 membership households. The DZS manages all fundraising, membership, special events, food services, retail operation, volunteer programs, marketing, and public relations for the zoo under management contract with the City of Dallas.