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Our Mission
The mission of Austin Zoo is to assist animals in need through rescue, conservation and education.
At our rescue zoo, children and adults alike can appreciate our Hill Country setting and enjoy an up-close experience with our rescued animals. Austin Zoo is a private, non-profit zoo, with over 300 animals across a 100 different species.
Come visit us!
What We Do
Rescue
Austin Zoo is dedicated to providing a safe and nurturing environment for wildlife in need.
With our expert care and attention, we offer a second chance to animals facing various challenges, ensuring their comfort and well-being.
Join us in our commitment to safeguarding vulnerable species and supporting their journey to a secure and thriving future.
Education
We believe that education is key to fostering a deeper understanding of wildlife and the environment.
Through engaging programs and interactive experiences, we aim to inspire curiosity and cultivate a sense of responsibility toward the natural world.
Join us in our mission to provide enriching educational opportunities for all ages.
Conservation
At Austin Zoo, we are dedicated to the conservation of wildlife and their natural habitats.
Through active engagement and community partnerships, we work to safeguard the natural habitats of various wildlife and promote conservation awareness.
Join us in our mission to create a sustainable future for generations to come.
Thank you for your support.
Austin Zoo is a 501(c)(3) registered non-profit organization.
We rely on private donations, gate admissions, grants and sponsorships to continue to care for the animals currently in our zoo. As well as to be able to take in new animals that need a safe home. We do not receive any funding from the city or state.
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Our History
Austin Zoo began as a goat ranch. In 1990, the ranch became known as Good Day Ranch, taking in primarily goats, pigs, fallow deer, donkeys and ponies who needed a home. By the year 1994 the ranch had grown and included a number of exotic animals. To reflect all the changes, the Good Day Ranch officially became Austin Zoo. In 1999 the owners decided to donate the animals and the facilities into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation – a project that was completed in 2000. Austin Zoo has been operated by a Board of Directors since that time.
Austin Zoo relies on private, corporate, and civic donations, as well as admission fees, gift shop sales, grants, sponsorships and other fund raising events to ensure the health and well being of our animal collection. Support also allows us to take in new animals and participate in conservation efforts to save endangered animals.
Our animal collection includes animals from other facilities that are being retired due to age, health or other issues; animals that were seized in animal cruelty cases; retired laboratory research animals; and individuals’ exotic pets they needed to re-home due to changes in the owner’s lifestyle or the inability to provide appropriate care for these pets.
Over 237,000 individuals visit Austin Zoo annually, including tens of thousands of students and teachers visiting on field trips.
Austin Zoo currently occupies approximately 15 acres of land, and owns another 40 acres which will provide ample room for expansion as the Zoo continues to grow.