I guess people don't really do their research before visiting this place. They come expecting a for-profit zoo like San Antonio or Ft. Worth Zoos. It's not. This place is a non-profit animal sanctuary and thus doesn't have all the modern conveniences like paved paths, a huge gift shop, and animal interpreters/zookeepers to answer your questions.
I visited yesterday for the first time with my husband and infant daughter. I had already done my homework and wasn't expecting a flashy zoo. It was about what I expected. The cages were well-kept and clean and we saw a few handlers cleaning out the cages, feeding animals, and even playing with the ring-tailed lemurs. I guess we were just there at the right time. The paths were a bit rocky and unpaved, but we managed just fine with our run-of-the mill Graco stroller and there were LOTS of other families there with strollers and none seemed to mind.
We didn't interact with the staff much, but the lady who took our admission fee was friendly enough. The cages were well marked with the names and ages of the animals and information about their natural habitats and sometimes information about their backgrounds/where they were rescued from.
We didn't ride the train as it seemed sort of a waste with a small infant who wouldn't get much out of it. Maybe when she's older. We saw it go by and it was packed and everyone seemed to be having a good time. The roaming peacocks, chickens, and guinea fowl were neat and there was a colorful rooster perched about 20 feet up in an oak tree, which the kids at a birthday party found very exciting.
Our baby loved watching the monkeys and prairie dogs, who were very active and playful. All in all, we had a terrific time and plan to return when she's older. If you don't go expecting a for-profit zoo experience, then you won't be disappointed!
Pros: Giving abused and neglected exotic animals a home
Cons: None
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