Caldwell Zoo

The Caldwell Zoo in Tyler is an accredited institution, and participates in many breeding projects.

Animals born at the zoo include giraffes, flamingos, black rhinoceros, giant anteaters, and many others.

The 85-acre zoo containing more than 2,000 animals representing 250 species from East Africa, North America, and South America.

The zoo includes a children's petting pen, two aquariums, picnic areas, a café that overlooks an African savanna and gift shops with original African items.

The zoo also has seasonal presentations including a bird show, alligator feedings, giraffe feedings, and elephant demonstrations.

The Caldwell Zoo is located at 2203 Martin Luther King Blvd Tyler, TX 75702. Phone 903.593.0121

For hours of operation, ticket information, and other details, we recommend you visit the official website of the Caldwell Zoo.

The Caldwell Zoo in Tyler Traveler reviews and photos at TripAdvisor

Ellen Trout Zoo in Lufkin

The Ellen Trout Zoo is owned and operated by the City of Lufkin which is responsible for its daily operation.

The Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) and houses over 800 mammals, birds and reptiles from around the world. The Zoo has now been accredited since September of 1983 and was the fifth zoo in Texas to receive accreditation.

Call 936.633.0399 for more information.

website of the Ellen Trout Zoo

Cherokee Trace Drive-Thru Safari

Cherokee Trace Drive-thru Safari is home to an amazing variety of wildlife. See over two dozen exotic and endangered species that thrive in an open habitat similar to their native territory.

At your own pace, enjoy a self-guided drive through the hills and open savannas of this 300-acre preserve.

The safari is located  at 1200 CR 4405, about 12 miles east of Jacksonville, Texas. Phone 903.683.3322

Cherokee Trace Website

Tiger Creek Animal Sanctuary

Tiger Creek Animal Sanctuary near Tyler offers visitors and volunteers many opportunities to learn about endangered animals.

Located north of Tyler, and just north of Tyler State Park, at 17552 FM 14. Home to over 40 rescued big cats. Phone 903.858.1008

Website of Tiger Creek

Grapeland Safari

The Grapeland Safari features over 400 zebras, kangaroos, camels, turtles, emus and other animals roaming freely on 60 acres, all visible from the comfort and safety of your own vehicle.

The drive-thru safari is privately-owned, by the Herring family, and been in operation since 2005. There is also a petting zoo and gift shop.

The Safari is located at 13440 U.S. Highway 287 N, Grapeland, Texas, 75844, on the east side of the highway. Phone 936.687.5292.

Website of Grapeland Safari and Grapeland Safari on Facebook

East Texas Zoo and Gator Park

The zoo features a wide variety of animals as well as alligators.

Located at 9515 FM1255, Grand Saline, TX 75140. Phone 903.962.5630

Website of the ET Zoo & Gator Park

Kaleidoscope Ranch

Kaleidoscope Ranch is a breathtaking 60-acre ranch in East Texas north of Big Sandy at 1936 Silver Maple Road. The Ranch provides the perfect escape from the daily routine, allowing visitors time to reconnect with family, take photos with cute animals, and even gather your own eggs from our chickens each morning!

The Ranch has four cabins currently available to rent. Included is a fully equipped kitchen with everything you need to cook and dine. Linens and towels are provided. Family room with TV, DVD player, DVDs, games, and books.

While renting a cabin at the Ranch, visitors can hike with a herd of miniature donkeys, feed camels a snack, or brush the shire draft horses' flowing manes. For detailed information and reservations, phone 903.347.2747, and visit

Website of the Kaleidoscope Ranch and Kaleidoscope Ranch on Facebook

Roselake Ranch

The Roselake Ranch offers a wide variety of activities and entertainment options for the entire family. Services include:

• Petting zoo
• Group farm tours for school groups, church groups or family reunions
• Rockwall
• Horse Rentals and Boarding
• Riding lessons and horse training and camps
• Drill Team
• Winter Wonderland
• Castle play area
• Nursing home visits

Located at 3632 County Road 271, Garrison, Texas 75965, north of Nacogdoches. For more information, phone 936.559.8222 or visit ...

Website of Roselake Ranch and Roselake Ranch on Facebook

Pawsitive Animal Encounters

People of all ages should have the opportunity to enjoy an up-close and personal experience with exotic animals not found in the Lufkin, TX area. The goal at Pawsitive Animal Encounters, LLC is to provide as many people as possible with that experience while also keeping our animals safe and happy. 

The animal sanctuary is located on a private residence where they have plenty of space to live long, happy lives. Plus, every animal is housed in a way that mimics their natural habitat or provides the things they need from that habitat. Animals are safe for children, and the facility is regularly inspected by the USDA.

Located at 4719 Peavy Switch Road, Lufkin, TX 75904. For more information, phone 936.404.8227.

Website of Pawsitive Animal Encounters and Pawsitive Animal Encounters on Facebook

Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center

Popular Athens area attractions include the widely known and visited Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center (TFFC), combining outdoor education with a production fish hatchery of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. TFFC houses a hatchery, laboratory, aquarium, and education center focusing on underwater wildlife in the state’s freshwater streams, ponds and lakes. Dive shows and tram tours are offered at designed times.

The Center is located about four miles east of Athens and 75 miles southeast of Dallas. The main entrance is at 5550 F.M. 2495, Athens, Texas 75752. Phone 903.676.2277

Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center (TFFC)