The Abilene Zoo, established in 1919, is located at Fair Park. Visited by over 170,000 each year, it offers the people an opportunity to discover the fascinating world of wildlife within its premises.

The Zoo houses more than 500 animals coming from 200 different species. It features the Giraffe Habitat, where visitors can try their hands at feeding, the Creepy Crawler Center or the herpetarium containing 49 naturalistic exhibits housing reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates such as leeches, tarantulas, octopus, snakes, and many more. The Zoo also has an indoor and outdoor aviary. Other featured animals within the zoo are porcupines, racoons, tingtails, skunks, coyotes, cougars, and river otters, which are all in the Elm Creek Backyard. The wetlands exhibits, on the other hand, feature an elevated boardwalk so that visitors can take a closer look at the animals.

The Education Department of the Abilene Zoo offers tours, educational programs, summer camps, and other special events throughout the year. It also has its own gift shop, which is located in the Adventure Center.