Feast your eyes on some amazing animals. Today, zoos aim to help teach visitors the importance of animal conservation by experiencing them firsthand. And let’s not forget how fun it is to play and interact with furry friends. From peacocks to pandas, get up close and personal with all sorts of animals when visiting these Austin destinations.
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photo via facebook
2300 S Lamar Blvd
There's one thing that always makes a rough day a little better, and that is playing with adorable little kittens. Purrfecto Cat Lounge is the only cat lounge experience in Austin, where you can go to get your kitty fix, or even choose to adopt a furry best friend. They have different CATXperiences you can choose from, as well as events you can purchase tickets to. Follow their Instagram so you can find out what purrfect cats are currently at the lounge.
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Photo via Do512 Family
10300 Taylor Ln
If you grew up in Austin or have a child in elementary school, chances are you’ve been on a field trip to Crowe’s Nest Farm. But did you realize that it's not just for field trips?! We at Do512 love this charming 100-acre working farm and animal sanctuary located just a short drive to Manor, Texas. At Crowe’s Nest, you will meet plenty of adorable domestic farm animals including bison, llamas, cows, donkeys, longhorns, ostrich, pigs, goats, and much more. The farm is open on Tuesdays through Saturdays (weather permitting) from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m for only $9 for adults. No reservations are needed.
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photo via wildliferanchtexas.com
26515 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd. San Antonio, TX
This 450-acre preserve just outside San Antonio allows visitors to take a drive-through safari in their own vehicles, feeding animals along the way (one free bag of food is included with admission, and you can buy additional bags for $2.50 each). The Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch is home to zebras, lemurs, camels, ostriches, and tons more amazing exotic creatures.
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photo via awsfzoo.com
5640 N Interstate 35 Frontage Rd, New Braunfels, TX
This isn't your average zoo experience. At Animal World, you can cozy up to gators, pythons, baby fennec foxes, and more. Book an animal encounter for an experience you're sure to remember. And if you aren't squeamish, plan to arrive in time for the feeding of the carnivores.
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Photo via Facebook
10808 Rawhide Trail
Whoever said the zoo is just for kids hasn't really lived. The Austin Zoo is a great place to walk, talk, and be amazed at how insanely cute every living creature is (especially all the different types of monkeys). And it's an all-rescue zoo! Purchase your tickets at the entrance when you arrive and enjoy the zoo animals right in our backyard!
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13187 Fitzhugh Rd
A wise man once said that the best way to see adorable animals is with a beer in hand. No, we can't validate that statement, but we're sure a wise man said that at least once. At Jester King Brewery, not only can you enjoy their signature sour beers, but you can do so while also seeing their cool goats. If you catch them at the right time, you may even see babies.
photo credit: instagram user @AustinAnimalCenter
7201 Levander Loop
The Austin Animal Center is an open-intake facility where lost and surrendered animals in need of shelter are accepted regardless of age, health, species or breed. Operating as the largest No Kill municipal animal shelter in the US, AAC provides protection services to over 18,000 animals a year making it a must-see for kids and adults alike. The goal here is to place all adoptable animals in forever homes. Adopt a companion and contribute to the mission, and don’t forget to spread the word!
photo credit: Instagram user @capital_of_texas_zoo
376 Jenkins Road
This privately-owned wildlife park just twenty minutes east of downtown boasts over 500 rare and beautiful wild animals. The small unique experience is a standout among the city’s parks, offering improved habitats and intimate peeks at exotic creatures. From lemurs to tigers to birds of prey, Capital of Texas Zoo was designed with true animal lovers in mind.
To stay cool in your car, click here for more drive-thru zoos and safaris.
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