Built in 1914, the San Antonio Zoo and Aquarium now boasts of over 3,500 animals from 750 different species. In 1929, it became one of the first zoos to make use of cageless exhibits. The zoo’s Richard Friedrich Aquarium was established in 1948 and in 1966, the Hixon Bird House was completed. The latter is notable for having one of the world’s largest avian collections.

The fifty-six-acre property has several exhibit areas, including the Rift Valley exhibit, Lory Landing, Kronkosky’s Tiny Tot Nature Spot, Gibbon Forest, Amazonia, African Plains and Africa Live, Prairie Chickens, and the Reptile House.

Regular programs and attractions offered at the zoo include daily rides on the San Antonio Zoo Eagle Train, the Caterpillar Flight School, and nectar feeding encounters with lories.