Cameron Park Zoo
 Main entrance | |
| Date opened | 1955 [1] |
|---|---|
| Location | Waco, Texas, USA |
| Coordinates | 31°34′12″N 97°8′41″W / 31.57000°N 97.14472°WCoordinates: 31°34′12″N 97°8′41″W / 31.57000°N 97.14472°W |
| Land area | 52 acres (21 ha) [2] |
| Number of animals | 1,731[1] |
| Number of species | 300[1] |
| Memberships | AZA,[3] WAZA[4] |
| Website |
www |
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
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
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
Sumatran tiger featured in the zoo's Asian Forest exhibit
Adult jaguar in Waco, Texas' Cameron Park Zoo
Adult jaguar in Waco, Texas' Cameron Park Zoo
Giraffe featured at Cameron Park Zoo in Waco, Texas
Meerkat featured at Cameron Park Zoo.
A meerkat poses for the camera at Cameron Park Zoo.
Orangutan featured in Cameron Park Zoo's Asian Forest exhibit
Pelican at Cameron Park Zoo in Waco, Texas
Decor at Asian Forest exhibit in Waco, Texas' Cameron Park
Aratinga solstitialis at Cameron Park Zoo
Notes
- 1 2 3 "About Us". cameronparkzoo.com. Cameron Park Zoo. Retrieved 25 April 2010.
- ↑ "Cameron Park Zoo". cameronparkzoo.com. Cameron Park Zoo. Retrieved 25 April 2010.
- ↑ "List of Accredited Zoos and Aquariums". aza.org. AZA. Retrieved 11 April 2010.
- ↑ "Zoos and Aquariums of the World". waza.org. WAZA. Retrieved 11 April 2010.
External links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Cameron Park Zoo. |