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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.

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El Paso Zoo Invites Community to say Goodbye to Male African Lion Xerxes
Read Press Release

March 1-31 Education Programs
March Animal Encounter Schedule (Note special schedule below for Spring Break March 8-16)

March 8-16 Education Programs
Spring Break Animal Encounter Schedule

Foster Tree House at the El Paso Zoo to open on Saturday, March 8
Read Press Release

Zoo Adventure Programs
Scheduled Programs

El Paso Zoo Announces Generous Gift
Read Press Release

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 summer 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 has recovered from her injury.

El Paso Zoo launches mobile application to help save orangutans, elephants and their habitat
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EL PASO ZOO GRANTED ACCREDITATION FROM ASSOCIATION OF ZOOS AND AQUARIUMS
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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

The Zoo has a very limited number of manual wheel chairs available, at no charge, 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 at the end of your visit it will be returned.

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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.