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Welcome! Explore the Zoo!!

So you’ve been in El Paso for a while now and you’re looking for something new… maybe even a little wild? How about getting into a staring contest with a pride of lions? Or catching an infectious smile as a family of meerkats shoot a curious glance your way?

It’s not the typical El Paso experience, but, then again, visiting the El Paso Zoo is anything but typical. The park looks as though it was carved right out of the city, an expansive green space that is home to exotic animal species from around the world.

From your first visit you’ll know that this zoo was not created to house curiosities. It was carefully planned as an open landscape to be explored and discovered. It’s a place that encourages outbursts of oohs!, ahhs!, not to mention the occasional mad dash to the next exhibit. Imagine that… a place where your kids can run amuck and the only repercussion is your struggle to keep up with them.

One of the most interesting things about the El Paso Zoo is that it was developed with a “total immersion” mindset. Visiting this zoo is like taking a journey; an experience that could bring out the animal in anyone. So, if you’re expecting a typical walk in the park, then you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the uncommon encounters that await you. Get ready to transform your usual family outing into a real adventure.

Where On Earth Are We?

Keeping its animal guests happy and comfortable is extremely important at the El Paso Zoo, and it’s the reason why the zoo was designed as an open space park – part of that total immersion philosophy. One of the interesting results of this type of development is that the exhibits take on the geographic characteristics of the animal’s homeland, and exploring the exotic geography of the exhibits can be just as much fun as seeing the animals themselves. You might even catch yourself wondering just where on Earth you are.

New Entry

If you have been here before, you will notice an all-new entrance to the zoo. One of the new features is the El Paso Water Utility Education Discovery Center. Be sure the kids visit its family-friendly water conservation exhibits, where you just might learn something, too! The new entry also includes the Passport Café for your dining pleasure and, of course, the all-new Safari Outfitter’s Gift Shop.

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El Paso Zoo Boosts Efforts To Help Mexican Wolf Conservation
Read Press Release

Savannah receives special care at the El Paso Zoo
Read Press Release

El Paso Zoo launches mobile application to help save orangutans, elephants and their habitat
Read Press Release

December 1-31 Education Programs
December Animal Encounter Schedule

Zoo Adventure Programs
Scheduled Programs

Our daily sea lion programs have been cancelled until further notice

During the breeding season, larger male sea lions sometimes exhibit aggressive behaviors towards other sea lions. Last week our male sea lion bit our female sea lion. Although this was a minor incident, to prevent further conflict between them, we are keeping them separate from each other. We will resume our daily training programs as soon as possible but do not currently know when that will be. The female sea lion is doing well and is being treated in a behind the scenes pool.

EL PASO ZOO GRANTED ACCREDITATION FROM ASSOCIATION OF ZOOS AND AQUARIUMS
Read Press Release

How to become a Zoo Volunteer
 Read Information Page and Apply Online

NEW: El Paso Zoo Master Plan
El Paso Zoo Master Plan, 2013

Hours of Operation & Admissions

Open daily at 9:30 a.m.
The ticket booth closes at 4:00 p.m.
The Zoo Grounds closes at 5:00 p.m.

Extended Hours on Weekends begin the weekend after Memorial Day through Labor Day Weekend when the ticket booth on Weekends closes at 5:00 p.m. The Zoo closes at 6:00 p.m.

Ages 2 & under ...............................Free
Ages 3 to 12 ..................................$6.00
Ages 13 to 59 .................................$10.00
Active Duty Military and
Spouse with ID ...............................$7.50
Ages 60 & over ...............................$7.50
Zoological Society Members ..........Free





Wheel Chairs

Wheel chairs are available to our disabled customers on a first come first serve basis. You may obtain one by asking the cashiers or security guards. You will be asked to leave an I.D. with them and they will return it when the wheel chair is brought back at the end of your visit.

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Tour The Zoo

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Special Animal Encounter Programs
Scheduled Animal Encounter Programs are listed in the zoo map insert. Sea Lions presentations are cancelled until further notice.Elephant Training (noon). Other Animal Encounters are scheduled at various times and days during the week including Golden Eagle Encounters, Lion Encounters and Giraffe Encounters. New Giraffe Encounters at 11:00am and 2:30pm require a $2 token available 15 minutes prior to the start time. These encounters are scheduled Saturday and Sundays. From June 12 to through Labor Day Giraffe Encounters will be scheduled Wednesdays to Sundays. Check your map insert when you arrive for times and locations. Because our exhibits are always changing some animals may not be on exhibit when you come to the Zoo. All presentations are subject to cancellation without notice.