Cameron Park Zoo

Cameron Park Zoo
Main entrance
31°34′12″N 97°8′41″W
Date opened	1955
Location	Waco, Texas, USA
Land area	52 acres (21 ha)
No. of animals	1,731
No. of species	300
Memberships	AZA, WAZA
Website	www.cameronparkzoo.com

Cameron Park Zoo is a 52-acre (21 ha) zoo located within Cameron Park in the city of Waco, Texas, United States, next to the Brazos River. It was originally established in 1955 as the Central Texas Zoological Park. The zoo features a diverse collection that includes over 1731 animals, representing 300 species from around the world.

The Cameron Park Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA).

History

Jaguars at Cameron Park Zoo in Waco, Texas

Initially established in 1955 as the Central Texas Zoological Park, by a group of wildlife enthusiasts who wanted to create an area for recreation and education opportunities.

In 1981, a master plan was established to expand the zoo, and in 1989 a countywide bond was issued to redevelop a 52-acre (210,000 m²) area of Cameron Park, into the Cameron Park Zoo. The project was completed, the old zoo was closed, and the new zoo was opened to the public July 18, 1993.

The Cameron Park Zoo features species from North and South America, Africa, Asia and Europe. Including a large reptile house, an African lion display, and Lemur Island, a large open lemur habitat. In 2005, a large new area was opened called the Brazos River Country, featuring a 50,000-US-gallon (190,000 L) saltwater reef aquarium, a large swampland habitat, and many other native Texas type habitats, featuring numerous species found within the state. The exhibit is so large, it nearly doubled both the animal population and overall size of the zoo. In 2009, the zoo opened Asian Forest, expanding its collection to include endangered species, such as Orangutans, Sumatran tigers, and Komodo dragons.

Cameron Park

Male lion in habitat at Cameron Park Zoo in Waco, Texas

Cameron Park covers 416 acres (168 ha), and is one of the largest municipal parks in Texas. It is located at the intersection of the Bosque River and Brazos River. Situated in Waco's Cameron Park, the zoo enjoys lush native vegetation and adjoins nearby limestone cliffs, which provide an excellent view of Waco. A children's zoo is located within the park, with animals from around the world. Cameron Park Zoo also is the location of community events such as Zoobilee.

Gallery

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  Sumatran tiger featured in the zoo's Asian Forest exhibit
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  Adult jaguar in Waco, Texas' Cameron Park Zoo
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  Adult jaguar in Waco, Texas' Cameron Park Zoo
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  Giraffe featured at Cameron Park Zoo in Waco, Texas
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  Meerkat featured at Cameron Park Zoo.
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  A meerkat poses for the camera at Cameron Park Zoo.
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  Orangutan featured in Cameron Park Zoo's Asian Forest exhibit
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  Pelican at Cameron Park Zoo in Waco, Texas
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  Decor at Asian Forest exhibit in Waco, Texas' Cameron Park
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  Aratinga solstitialis at Cameron Park Zoo

External links

• Official website