Click Here: Monthly Calendar of Events

Daily Programs

Presentations are subject to cancellation without notice. Because our exhibits are always changing some animals may not be on exhibit when you come to the Zoo.


California Sea Lion Encounters at 10:45am and 2:45pm

Our California sea lions are fed every day at 11am and 3pm. We offer educational presentations prior to the feedings at 10:45am and 2:45pm. All presentations are free and visitors are encouraged to find a seat early, especially for the afternoon presentation on weekends when the amphitheater often fills to capacity. Click here to learn more about sea lions (http://www.elpasotexas.gov/elpasozoo/sea_lion.htm)

Asian Elephant Training Demonstrations at Noon

Join us at the Elephant Exhibit across from the orangutans for a fascinating look at Savannah and Juno as they go through their daily training program. Our elephants are trained through a technique called protective contact. The trainer does not share the same restricted space with the elephant and there is always a barrier between the elephant and the trainer. We use operant conditioning, a positive reinforcement system, to train our elephants for medical procedures. Many of these techniques are what you see today. The elephant has the choice to obey the keeper’s request or not; however, if the elephant does not obey, they do not receive the praise, or food, rewards. Click here to lean more about elephants (http://www.elpasotexas.gov/elpasozoo/elephantaction.htm)

Weekend Programs


California Sea Lion Encounters at 10:45am and 2:45pm
See description near the top of this page.

Animal Encounters from 11:15 to Noon
Join us at a location to be announced at the 10:45am Sea Lion Presentation for a close-up encounter with one of our education animals. Volunteers and staff will be on hand to answer questions. For a list of education animals at the Zoo which are also taken to schools as part of our Traveling Safari Program click here (http://www.elpasozoo.org/educ_animals.htm)

Asian Elephant Training Demonstrations at Noon
See description near the top of this page.

Sun Bear Enrichment Presentation at 12:30pm Join us at the Sun Bear Exhibit along the walkway a few hundred feet east of the Grasslands Café. Watch our sun bears enjoy their mid-day enrichment of special treats as a Zoo Education Specialist describes the scene and answers questions.

Take Action Center in the Cisneros Paraje: 1:30 to 2:30pm & 3:30 to 4:30pm
You and your family can take action before you leave the zoo to help save animals and their habitats in the wild. Our Take Action Center in the Paraje will give you an opportunity to help save Mexican wolves, Asian elephants, Sumatran orangutans, and Malayan tigers.

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