Located across 57 acres in Midtown San Antonio's Brackenridge Park, the San Antonio Zoo is home to over 3,500 animals representing 750 species. You will discover incredible exhibits featuring creatures from around the world, including endangered and critically endangered species. Step into the immersive Africa Live! area to spot hippos through underwater viewing windows, observe Nile crocodiles, okapi, African hunting dogs, and walk through one of the world's largest aviaries.
Explore the expanded Naylor Savanna to view African species alongside a dedicated giraffe barn, or check out the 2-acre Congo Falls gorilla habitat. Beyond the savanna, you can visit the historic Richard Friedrich Aquarium, established in 1948, and the Hixon Bird House. Between animal encounters, admire the Spanish Revival architecture of the renovated 1930s Monkey House, which now offers concessions and restrooms.
You can also ride the San Antonio Zoo Train, a narrow-gauge railway operating since 1956 that links the zoo to surrounding points of interest in Brackenridge Park. Whether you are interested in wildlife conservation or historic park attractions, this accredited facility offers a memorable day out in San Antonio.
What to see at San Antonio Zoo
- Africa Live! exhibit featuring hippo underwater viewing and one of the world's largest aviaries
- Naylor Savanna habitat complete with a new giraffe barn and Spekboom Lodge overnight rentals
- Congo Falls, a 2-acre dedicated gorilla habitat
- Historic Richard Friedrich Aquarium and the Hixon Bird House
- San Antonio Zoo Train, operating since 1956 throughout Brackenridge Park
Visiting tips
Take a ride on the historic San Antonio Zoo Train to travel convenient narrow-gauge rails connecting the zoo to points of interest across Brackenridge Park.
How long: 3-4 hours · Best time: Morning
How to get there & what’s nearby
San Antonio Zoo is easy to reach on San Antonio’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Alamo Mission and Cathedral of San Fernando. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our San Antonio travel guide.
See the full San Antonio travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.