Fort Worth Zoo

1989 Colonial Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76110, USA

Address:	1989 Colonial Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76110, USA
Phone:	+1 817-759-7555
Site:	fortworthzoo.org
Rating:	4.6
Working:	10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–6PM 10AM–6PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 4

dwinchester103

My uncle told me that it was one of the most beautiful zoos hed ever seen, and that it was worth a visit. So my dad and I went there on a day with low UV rays (otherwise I would have gotten heatstroke pushing his wheelchair over the wood ramps that make up the zoos handicapped pathways). It was still a struggle sometimes (there are a few hills), but it was worth it. We were pleased to find out the wheelchairs were free, because most places force you to rent them. Its usually around ten dollars for one of those suckers. We visited the western town on our way towards the black bear exhibit, and stopped to see a few of the animals in the petting zoo (ducks, goat, ect...) Afterwards, I went across the Swinging Swamp Bridge which serves at the safe version of a trampoline. Once I crossed the trampoline, and went back to wheel my dad across the other path. We saw a couple of otters swimming through the glass, and headed towards the mountain lion exhibit. Its important that you remember to check the little alcove built into the cliff side (right near the coyote). Otherwise, youll pass up your chance to see the Ocelot. I bought Dippin Dots ice cream from one of the vendors (there is a couple scattered throughout the park). I wasnt sure what type Id like, because I havent had it in years. The man was nice enough to let me sample the banana split flavor, and the strawberry one. On my uncles suggestion, I decided to make a stop at Parrot Paradise exhibit. I was ecstatic when I realized that I could feed the birds, and they came right to my stick (a bird seed stick cost $1 at the entrance). The small birds were so close that I managed to videotape quite a few different ones munching on the bird seed. Once we were finished with the majority of the animals, we headed back towards the turtle exhibit (right near the souvenir penny machine), and into the Burger King for lunch. While we were eating our burgers we got to watch a crocodile through the glass of the indoor cafeteria section. He was gigantic (easily the biggest crocodile Ive ever seen) and lay sprawled out on the sand sun-bathing the entire time. It was a little difficult to find the section that housed the Zebras, Lions, and Tigers. I tried to follow the signs, but it kept leading us back to the Kangaroos. It seemed to me like the path on the map led upwards, but that seemed like a strange place to house the giant cats (there were no signs leading upwards either). Eventually, I followed my gut and guided my dad up the hill towards the bird section. It was a really steep hill, and I hoped I hadnt pushed the wheelchair up there just to view birds. Thankfully, it was the right path, and it lead it to the big cat exhibits. I was a little disappointed to find most of the big cats sleeping, but that disappeared the moment I spotted the white tiger. I was lucky enough to find him walking around his exhibit and I managed to get a lot of nice pictures of him. I was very pleased by the kindness of the staff throughout the park. One of the woman working at the stroller and wheelchair booth even approached us as we were leaving in order to make sure my father would be fine walking towards the exit. My father had knee surgery only a few months prior and he was limping. So it was very sweet of her to be concerned for his welfare.

A Private User

This zoo was disappointing: 1. The animals seem cramped in small quarters, lethargic and unhappy. In this day and age I would even say that certain exhibits border on animal cruelty, despite what the curators might think. There were also some exhibits with only one animal in it rather than a pair or several. 2. Some exhibits are too far away to be seen properly and the layout of parts of the grounds needs to be re-examined. 3. If cost or space is the problem, then it would be much better if the zoo concentrates on certain aspects instead and tries to make them world class or even best in world rather than trying to stuff everything into a confined space. 4. There is a lack of balance in the numbers of the animals, so there might be many birds, but two or three tigers, etc, one warthog here and one warthog there. Some exhibits are sparse even in the close confines of their quarters. 5. There is a lack of proper walk through directional signs that would take the visitors through in an orderly manner from section to section. This can be rectified by ground arrows or color coding. 6. The zoo was choked with people and hundreds if not thousands of school children. Someone needs to co-ordinate the school visits properly so the facilities are not overwhelmed all at one time to the detriment of other guests and to ensure proper viewing of the exhibits. 7. There is a need for more and better bathroom facilities. Some of the facilities were overwhelmed by the sheer number of people, especially the ladies bathrooms. 8. Better use of the grounds for more public spaces, areas and benches with more eating facilities required. 9. Some exhibits were lacking entirely and one had to wonder whether they were just taking up room or there to make up numbers. I have tried to point out areas that I thought were disappointing. I have tried where possible to provide solutions but I really think someone needs to re-visit the entire scheme of things and provide a better experience for the paying public.

RiggaBigga T.

Seeing that the Ft. Worth Zoo is one of the top ranked, I was expecting to be WOWed. Unfortunately, I was left disappointed. I did, however, like the seeing the Crocodile, Alligator, the Tiger exhibit, and the Aquarium. I also liked the ability to see the animals, but that had a major downfall. The animal habitats are small and sparse (nearly empty). Due to people killing animals for fun (I refuse to call hunting and poaching a sport), I understand that the Zoo is safer. But GEESH dont make the habitats look like a prison yard! At least make the habitats a replica of their natural homes in the wild. Give them ROOM to run and play. The Gorillas and Ocelot habitats were THE worse. The Gorillas looked so depressed and over it. The high that day was 84. I was there from 10:00-2:30, and the temperature didnt reach the high till around 1:00. Therefore, the Gorillas being in a slump was not because of the weather. The Gorillas were in the same position from the time I arrived to the time I left. Thats sad. The Ocelot enclosure was the "straw that broke the camels back". It is made for small birds. If the Ocelot were to pouch twice it would hit the wall, the glass, or the artificial branch above its head! When most people come to the Zoo all they care about is SEEING the animals. They dont give two thoughts about its living quarters. Both combine (viewing ability and animal living quarters) makes a GREAT Zoo. Not one or the other.

A Private User

Im baffled by some of the negative responses. The crowd is entirely dependent on when you go-- if youre going during the week youre warned to expect school children. The moods on the animal is dependent on the weather, the animals are going to sit around and conserve their energy in the texas heat. The only time Ive ever seen zoo animals up and running around is on days when storms are coming. The "far away" appearance is for YOUR safety, the ditches and distance is to prevent the animals from jumping, climbing, and escaping. If you want an in your face threat then visit the dallas zoo where gorillas are constantly getting out. I will agree that the food areas were lacking. With the amount of strollers here there needs to be better space and larger walkways. It was ridiculous trying to get to a table. The bathrooms are also a disappointment. I only found one family bathroom that was taken and two changing tables (one per bathroom). I think it should be mandatory that theres larger family bathrooms or a bathroom designated to changing tables. There were 4 people behind me and 2 ahead of me when needing to change my son. It doesnt make sense when the average age attendance seemed to be babies and toddlers. All in all, this is the typical zoo experience that I enjoy. The shade and mist is absolutely wonderful for the heat that we get too.