• Austin Zoo is a 501(c)(3) registered non-profit organization.
• • We rely on private donations, gate admissions, grants and sponsorships to continue to care for the animals we have, and to be able to take in new animals that need a safe home. We do not receive any funding from the city or state.
• The zoo trails are made of crushed granite gravel. It is best to wear closed-toed, comfortable walking shoes.
• Austin Zoo does not have water fountains. You are welcome to bring your own beverages, as well as food. We also offer bottled water in our Gift Shop for purchase.
• Parking is free of charge. Please do not leave valuable items in your vehicle.
• No live animals of any kind may be brought onto Zoo grounds or left in a vehicle in the parking lot.
• Austin Zoo is a non-smoking facility. Please return to our parking lots if you need to smoke.
• No unaccompanied minors, please. Guests under age 18 must have adult supervision.
• Animal feed for our sheep, deer, goats, llamas and alpacas is available for sale in our Feeding Area.
• Zoo admission may be paid by Mastercard, Visa, Discover or cash.
• No Shirt! No Shoes! No Service!
• If you are purchasing admission through a third party, please be sure to read all restrictions and fine print.
• Important disclosure: Some of the animals may not always be viewable in their habitats. As a rescue zoo, our first priority at Austin Zoo is the comfort & contentment of our animals in residence. We do not force our animals into their outside habitats for spectators. Animals can choose at any time to be in their inside den areas if desired. No refunds for tickets will be provided.
• Thank you for considering a visit to our rescue zoo! If you have any further questions, please call us at 512-288-1490.

History of Austin Zoo

The mission of Austin Zoo is to assist animals in need through rescue, conservation, and education.

Located on the southwest edge of Austin off Highway 290 West and Circle Drive, Austin Zoo is a pleasant Hill Country zoo where visitors from around the world can come to learn about animals close-up, spend some time outdoors getting exercise, and have fun.

Austin Zoo began as a goat ranch. In 1990, the ranch became known as Good Day Ranch, taking in primarily goats, pigs, fallow deer, donkeys and ponies who needed a home. By the year 1994 the ranch had grown and included a number of exotic animals. To reflect all the changes, the Good Day Ranch officially became Austin Zoo. In 1999 the owners decided to donate the animals and the facilities into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation – a project that was completed in 2000. Austin Zoo has been operated by a Board of Directors since that time.

Austin Zoo relies on private, corporate, and civic donations, as well as admission fees, gift shop sales, grants, sponsorships and other fund raising events to ensure the health and well being of our animal collection. Support also allows us to take in new animals and participate in conservation efforts to save endangered animals.

Our animal collection includes animals from other facilities that are being retired due to age, health or other issues; animals that were seized in animal cruelty cases; retired laboratory research animals; and individuals’ exotic pets they needed to re-home due to changes in the owner’s lifestyle or the inability to provide appropriate care for these pets.

Over 237,000 individuals visit Austin Zoo annually, including tens of thousands of students and teachers visiting on field trips.

Austin Zoo currently occupies approximately 15 acres of land, and owns another 40 acres which will provide ample room for expansion as the Zoo continues to grow.