Cameron Park Zoo

Cameron Park Zoo is a 52-acre (21 ha) natural habitat zoo located within Cameron Park in the city of Waco, Texas, United States, next to the Brazos River. Established in July 1993, Cameron Park Zoo has lush native vegetation that surrounds splashing waterfalls, a picturesque lake, and ponds. And in the midst of all this beauty, visitors see that the wild ones not only survive in their natural habitat, but they also flourish. The zoo features a diverse collection that includes over 1731 animals, representing 300 species from around the world.

Cameron Park Zoo
Main entrance
31°34′12″N 97°8′41″W
Date opened1993 [1]
LocationWaco, Texas, United States
Land area52 acres (21 ha) [2]
No. of animals1,731[1]
No. of species300[1]
MembershipsAZA,[3] WAZA[4]
Websitewww.cameronparkzoo.com

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
Orangutan 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 on 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 the overall size of the zoo. In 2009, the zoo added the Asian Forest, expanding its collection to include endangered species such as orangutans and Komodo dragons. These species joined the Sumatran tigers in the Asian Forest.

Cameron Park
Elephant in habitat at Cameron Park Zoo in Waco, Texas.

Cameron Park Zoo is located with Cameron Park. Cameron Park covers 416 acres (168 ha), and is one of the largest undeveloped 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.

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

Notes
  1. "About Us". cameronparkzoo.com. Cameron Park Zoo. Archived from the original on 2010-11-10. Retrieved 25 April 2010.
  2. "Cameron Park Zoo". cameronparkzoo.com. Cameron Park Zoo. Retrieved 25 April 2010.
  3. "Currently Accredited Zoos and Aquariums". aza.org. AZA. Retrieved 11 April 2010.
  4. "Zoos and Aquariums of the World". waza.org. WAZA. Retrieved 11 April 2010.
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