We visited the San Antonio Zoo for the first time yesterday. We got there at opening time (very necessary if you want to see most of the animals active) and didn't have to worry about crowds for the first hour or so.
It's got a very nice layout, and although not the largest zoo, it makes very good use of the space to showcase a lot of animals without feeling cramped. Due to construction and expansion, one can definitely see that there's the "new" section and there the "old" section. The Africa Live project is really nice.
Of particular interest to my wife and I are the bear exhibits. Side by Side, we are treated to the Spectacled Bear, the American Black Bear, and the Grizzly Bear. They are usually most active in the mornings (again, it pays to get there early), but we got a very animated performance from the Grizzly for about 10 minutes or so around the 3:00pm hour.
There is a full list of the animals on the website. But here's why this is a great outing in San Antonio.
1. It has a great walking layout. You get some exercise and San Antonio Weather is nice enough most days to make for a good zoo day.
2. They are open 365 days a year.
3. Parking is free.
4. Admission is only $10 and if you look around, you can usually find a $1 or $2 coupon good for your entire party.
5. Food and drink prices are exceptionally reasonable.
6. If you are only visiting San Antonio, you can see the entire zoo if you go faster than just a leisurely stroll. There's plenty of time for other activities for that day.
We were so impressed, we decided to purchase season tickets and apply our day's admission to that cost. $65 for an annual family pass is a great deal.
Updated Dec 12, 2010
Address: 3903 North St. Mary's St.
Website: http://www.sazoo-aq.org
This is one of the best zoos. Also, the surrounding areas are beautiful, especially Brackenridge Park, the Sunken Gardens (a Japanese-style rock and flower garden with huge goldfish), and the San Antonio River. The river originates at springs nearby.
Updated Oct 13, 2006
Address: 3903 N. St. Mary’s Street, San Antonio, TX 78212
Phone: (210) 734-7184
Website: http://www.sazoo-aq.org
Brackenridge Park, near the San Antonio Zoo, is a lovely urban park where you can see the headwaters of the San Antonio River. The river begins at a small spring. Another favorite attraction is the cable cars, which take the visitor across the park, affording a spectacular view of the city skyline and surrounding areas. Of course, it's also the perfect spot for a picnic, and for the kids to play.
Updated Oct 1, 2006
Address: 3903 North St. Mary's St.
Website: http://www.sazoo-aq.org
The San Antonio zoo seems to be a more intimate zoo than most. While relatively large, the animals are close; so close, in fact, there is more than one opportunity to reach out and touch an animal or feed one (against the rules).
One of the several highlights of the zoo is the rhino area. They may stink, but they seem to be pretty domesticated and willing to get close. They also appear to be willing to eat from the hands of zoo visitors.
The main attraction, however, is the wide assortment of birds at the zoo. In one area, near the "peak" of the zoo, there is an environment perfect for birds to fly freely, and the netted-in setting allows for the feeling of the woods or jungle. Be careful; the birds will dive bomb mercilessly...just be aware of where you are sitting.
Written Mar 6, 2006
Address: 3903 North St. Mary's St.
Website: http://www.sazoo-aq.org
Zoo is located in Brackenridge Park, just north of the downtown CBD.
A great way to pass the morning, or the whole day. The childrens zoo area has been redone and is geared towards families with children under 5 yrs old. One of the best chlidrens areas I've ever seen at a zoo.
Gen Admission $8 per adult
Updated Sep 6, 2005
Address: Brackenridge Park
Website: http://www.sazoo-aq.org
A nice sized zoo that is in the process of being up-dated and up-graded. They have a section where Australian lorries (a species of parrot) fly free and for $1 you can buy a small cup of nectar. You go into the enclosure, open the cup, and, Viola! there are half dozen lorries on your hand, arm, head, etc. looking for a drink.
There is also a butterfly enclosure.
Admission: Adults $8, children 3-11, $6.
And there is a $1 off p/person coupon you can download from their website.
Updated Nov 18, 2004
Address: 3903 North St. Mary's St.
Website: www.sazoo-aq.org
Very nice zoo north of downtown
Written Jun 15, 2004
Address: 3903 North St. Mary's Street
Phone: (210) 734-7184
Website: http://www.sazoo-aq.org
Written Jun 14, 2004
The San Antonio Zoo
You might not consider a zoo to be a travel destination however this one is worth a day of your visit.
The zoo is one of the most beautiful zoos in the world.
Written Aug 26, 2002
1 - 9 of 9
Sponsored Links
The Westin La Cantera Resort, San Antonio San Antonio
1 Review and 622 Opinions Very nice resort with amazing hill country views.
Drury Plaza Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk San Antonio
2 Reviews and 731 Opinions This hotel might be the best of our trip and it was one of the most expensive. I spent several...
Best Western Sunset Suites Riverwalk San Antonio
4 Reviews and 205 Opinions Let me start by saying the hotel is actually very nice. The room was clean and the lobby area very...
3903 North St. Mary's St.
San Antonio Zoo tips and photos posted by real travelers and San Antonio locals.
Write a Review
The San Antonio ZooYou might not consider a zoo to be a travel destination however this one is worth a day of your visit.The zoo is one of the most beautiful...
876 members live in San Antonio

Q: What is the best way to get from the airport to the River Walk area of SA (and back of course)? Is it far? Should I just Eff it...

A: If you're just going to San Antonio for the Riverwalk and for the Alamo, there's really no need for a car. Just take an airport shuttle. The overnight parking fee at your...
Read 3 Replies
1
San Antonio--La Ciudad...A Walk Thru History

UPDATE (January 2008): We took our son's family to San Antonio for New Year's Eve this year. They were visiting from Chile, so it was quite the spectacle for them. The dazzling Christmas lights strung...
2

Since its simple beginnings back in 8000 BC when the Paleo Indians hunted and gathered along the San Antonio River called Yanaguana, to 1535 when Spanish explorers crossed paths here, till finally in...
3

the area around san antonio was first discovered by europeans in 1691. san antonio is named after the italian saint, saint anthony of padua. in 1716 the spanish government of mexico approved a site on...
4

Sarah and I really love San Antonio. It has a great feel to the city, with plenty of things to see and do. It makes for a great weekend trip for some, and a place where they can spend time and explore...
5

People say that thanks to its diversity, San Antonio truly captures the spirit of Texas. The diverse cultures of Native Americans, Old Mexico, Germans, the Wild West, African-Americans and the Deep......
Build your own San Antonio page
Sponsored Links