Austin Zoo

Austin Zoo

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Zoo entrance
Date opened	1990 (as Good Day Ranch)
Location	near Austin, Texas, United States
Coordinates
Land area	20 acres (8.1 ha)
Number of animals	300
Number of species	100
Annual visitors	200,000
Website	www.austinzoo.org

The Austin Zoo and Animal Sanctuary is a non-profit rescue zoo and animal sanctuary located in southwestern unincorporated Travis County, Texas, United States, west of Austin.

The mission of the Austin Zoo and Animal Sanctuary is to assist animals in need through rescue, rehabilitation, and education. Austin Zoo currently has over 300 animals from over 100 different species, including African Lions, Bengal tigers, cougars, jaguars, three species of monkeys, black bears, ring-tailed lemurs, and porcupines. In 2009, the zoo became home to four wolf hybrids which had been abandoned during Hurricane Ike in 2008.

In 2012, the zoo was home to over 300 animals from over 100 different species and received 175,000 visitors.

History

Austin Zoo started out as a goat ranch. In 1990, it became the Good Day Ranch, housing animals in need. At that time, the animals were mostly domesticated and local animals including goats, pigs, fallow deer, donkeys, and ponies, with just a few exotic animals. Gradually, the number of exotic animals increased, and in 1994, the name was changed to Austin Zoo. In 2000, the zoo became a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Today, the zoo and sanctuary is home to mostly exotic animals that were rescued from or unwanted by their owners, animals from other zoos and sanctuaries, and animals who were awarded protection through the judicial system. All of these animals have a forever home with Austin Zoo & Animal Sanctuary.

Conservation breeding

In 2010, the zoo received a pair of lions which were believed to be Barbary lions from a private owner. Because these lions are believed extinct in the wild, the zoo agreed to breed them and to provide DNA samples to the Barbary Lion Project. The family of lions now includes two cubs.

External links

• Official website