The Fort Worth Zoo is hosting its wildest summer adventure yet with its newest habitat, Predators of Asia & Africa. Visitors can now discover and interact with some of the most dramatic and skilled hunters of the animal kingdom like never before. This exciting experience can only be found at the Fort Worth Zoo, which is home to nearly 7,000 animals and is embarking on the final phase of its four-phase master plan.
The first phase, African Savanna, opened in 2018, followed by the second phase, Elephant Springs, in 2021. Now, the third phase, Predators of Asia & Africa, has opened in June 2023. The fourth and final phase, Forests & Jungles of the World, is up next. The Zoo’s commitment to education and conservation is truly remarkable and enhances the lives of over 1 million visitors every year, as well as the animals that call it home.
The new Predators of Asia & Africa habitat offers many exciting elements. Guests will find themselves surrounded by cascading waterfalls, lush grass, trees, and rock structures, creating naturalistic spaces for the Zoo’s carnivores from Asia and Africa. Often, visitors are only separated from these magnificent creatures by a pane of glass.
Upon entering the Zoo, guests are greeted by a pride of African lions in their beautiful and enhanced new home. For a unique perspective, visitors can observe the pride from above at the top of the waterfall that flows through the entire Predators complex.
The journey continues into Asia, where guests can meet a species new to the Zoo: the elusive clouded leopard. Following a winding and shaded walk, visitors will discover the critically endangered Sumatran tiger and have the opportunity to get up close and personal with the intriguing striped hyena.
Crossing into Africa, guests will encounter the cheetah, the fastest land mammal on earth, in an enriching and newly expanded habitat. Beyond the grotto, a pack of African painted dogs can also be observed. Finally, the Zoo welcomes African leopards for the first time in its 114-year history. Make sure not to miss the playful duo of young siblings that now call the Zoo home.
Multiple aviaries house several exotic bird species, including the red-crowned crane, Satyr tragopan, African pygmy falcon, and more, adding to the vibrant atmosphere of the habitat.
Predators of Asia & Africa is the third phase of a $130-million, four-phase master plan called A Wilder Vision. This plan guarantees the survival of certain species that may become extinct in the wild within our lifetime, ensuring their existence for future generations. The first phase, African Savanna, opened in 2018, followed by Elephant Springs in 2021. Both of these habitats feature lush greenery, spacious areas, and unique interactions that can only be experienced at the Fort Worth Zoo. For example, visitors can feed the tallest land mammal on earth and observe giraffes at eye-level, stand nose-to-nose with a hippo at an underwater viewing area, and even squirt water onto the Asian elephant herd as they swim in the 400,000-gallon river flowing through an authentic fishing village.
Aside from the new habitat, there are other highlights at the Zoo this summer that visitors won’t want to miss. These include seeing the western lowland gorilla baby, Bruno, born in November 2022, and the two Asian elephant calves, Brazos (born October 2021) and Travis (born February 2023).
By exploring the Fort Worth Zoo, guests not only get to see these incredible animals up close but also contribute to conservation efforts locally and globally, ensuring a future for endangered species. Admission prices are $18 for adults, $14 for children aged 3 to 12, $14 for seniors aged 65 and up, and free for children 2 and younger. Admission tickets are valid for 30 days from the date of purchase, and parking is available for $5 per vehicle. The Fort Worth Zoo is open 365 days a year, and for the most up-to-date hours, visitors can visit fortworthzoo.org.