Why Visit the Caldwell Zoo in Tyler, Texas?
The Caldwell Zoo is one of the best places in East Texas to learn about animals. They have engaging exhibits and are in the middle of a major upgrade (The Amazon River’s Edge!) Be sure and check their website here for temporary construction-related closeures before heading out for the day.
A Great Field Trip for These Topics:
- Zoology
- Animals & Habitats
Quick Info:
2203 Martin Luther King Blvd.
Tyler, Texas 75702
Daily: 9am – 4:30pm
Adults (13+): $19.50
Children (3-12): $14.50
Seniors (55+): $17.50
Children (0-2): $0
Need more info? Contact them here.
All information is correct to the best of our knowledge as of the publishing of this article in January 2024. Contact the Caldwell Zoo for any changes, or to confirm.
What Can You Expect to See and Do at the Caldwell Zoo?
The zoo is designed with five distinct sections that are all connected by beautifully landscaped walking paths.
- Entrance
- East Africa
- North America
- South America
- Reptiles and Amphibians
Entrance
At the Entrance section of this picturesque Tyler Zoo, you’ll be greeted by the sound of flowing water, a collection of eye-catching birds, and some playful monkies.
- Chilean Flamingo
- Squirrel Monkey
- Black Swan
- Spoonbill
- Pelican
- Neotropic Cormorant
- Double-Crested
- Cormorant
- Great Egret
- Western Cattle Egret
- Southern Screamer
- White-Faced Whistling Duck
- Fulvous Whistling Duck
East Africa
The overlook provides a walk through the wilds of Africa. In this section of the zoo, you can feed the giraffes, have lunch at the Chakula Café while you watch the elephants, or attend a keeper talk in the penguin house.
- Cheetah
- Black Rhinoceros
- Reticulated Giraffe
- Greater Kudu
- Impala
- Grevy’s Zebra
- Crested Porcupine
- Red Ruffed Lemur
- Ring-tailed Lemur
- African Elephant
- Rock Hyrax
- African Penguin
- Lion
- Slender-tailed Meerkat
- Brindled Wildebeest
- Bongo
- Black and White Colobus
- Warthog
- Yellow-duiker
- African Grey Parrot
- Hamerkop
- Crowned Crane
- Aldabra Tortoise
- African Spur Tortoise
North America
The North American section follows a creek through several familiar and not-so-familiar species. View an American prairie where the bison and longhorns roam. A shaded boardwalk stroll shows off some of America’s most iconic species. Kids will love visiting the wild bird walkabout where they can feed parakeets and cockatiels.
- Alligator
- Cougar
- Bobcat
- Bison
- White-tailed Deer
- American White Pelican
- Roseate Spoonbill
- Great Horned Owl
- Red-tailed Hawk
- Bald Eagle
- Red Fox
- North American River Otter
- Common Goat
- Giant Softshell Turtle
- American Snapping Turtle
- Black Bear
South America
The South America section is currently closed. It is expected to reopen in the Spring of 2024 with the new Amazon River’s Edge exhibit. You can view a map of what is closed here.
Reptiles and Amphibians
Another fascinating area to check out is the herpetarium. See a variety of reptiles and amphibians and take a few minutes to cool off (or warm up depending on the season.)
- Green Anaconda
- Poison Dart Frog
- Gila Monster
- Blood Python
- Emerald Tree Boa
- Rosy Boa
- Indigo Snake
- Grey-banded King Snake
- Western Diamondback Rattlesnake
- Copperhead Snake
- Cottonmouth Snake
- Timber Rattlesnake
- Texas Horned Lizard
- Inland Bearded Dragon
- Green Iguana
- Giant Madagascar Day Gecko
- Leopard Gecko
- Caiman Lizard
- Eastern Box Turtle
- Leopard Tortoise
- African Clawed Frog
- Oriental Fire-bellied Frog
- Texas Tortoise
Gift Shop
Lastly, if you would like to take home a souvenir of your day at the zoo, stop by the Crossroads Trading Company gift shop before you leave.
Tips for Visitors:
Parking is free.
Giraffe Feeding is $5. The Giraffe Feeding Station closes from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. and for inclement weather.
Bird feeding is $2 per seed stick.
Behind the scenes Animal Encounters are available for Penguins, Bears, and Tortises. More info here.
The petting zoo and playground are currently closed. Check back in the Spring of 2024 for updates.
Outside food is not allowed (except bottled water and baby food.) They have several places to buy meals and snacks, or you can use the picnic area in the parking lot and then re-enter the zoo.
