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110 Memorial Dr. Victoria, TX 77901 Phone 361.573.7681
Photos by JoAnn Benavides
Volunteer
We have opportunities for all ages to come and experience the zoo in ways that our regular guests can't.
Internships
An internship is an un-paid position with the opportunity for you to gain knowledge of the zoo field and all that intels.
Requirements:
* Submission of resume with cover letter and a completed application.
* Copy of current college transcript.
* Letter of reference from a professor or advisor
* Signed Liability Form
* Pre-service interview with the our Animal Curator or Executive Director.
Training Programs will be held before the season begins and you MUST complete the training before you begin volunteering.
JR Volunteers
Gain experience and learn about all aspects of the Zoo field. The JR Volunteer Program accepts applications once a year for youth volunteers ages 13 - 17.
Volunteers MUST be 13 by May 1st 2009 to qualify.
Docents
Docents are adult volunteer educators who use easily handled animals and biofacts to share information with zoo visitors. An application, background check, interview and training is reguired.
You MUST be 18 years of age to apply for this program.
If your interested you can send us an email, visit the zoo or call our Education Department at 361-573-7681 for more information.
The More You Know......
Special Events:
The Texas Zoo offers a truly unique venue for your special day. Whether it's a corporate function or an intimate wedding, we cater to you! Call for your tailored event coordination today!
Education Programs
Have you ever touched a snake? Examained an animal skull up close? Our live animal programs reach out all over the golden crescent area, educating adults and children alike. Each program can be tailored to fit your event need. Each program includes a live animal presentation along with a biofact touch-table experience.
Adult Education
The Texas Zoo believes in continuing education so we encourage adults to attend our tuest lectures, seminars and varied local "club" meetings. Whatever your interest, The Texas Zoo has something for you.
Birthdays!
Your child won't ever forget a birthday at The Texas Zoo! Sit back and relax and let us do all the work. Every party comes with zoo-themed decor, a live animal program, punch, party favors and a customer cake. Contact us today and take the stress out of planning that next birthday party.
Zoosdays!
Every Tuesday is Zoosday! We welcome families with small children every Tuesday morning at 9:30am. Every zoosday program includes a craft, storytime, healthy educational playand lots of fun! Join us for an early childhood learning experience your little on will love!
Congratulations to Celeste Budd for her winning photo in the 2009 Photo Contest!
Celestes Photo has been also featured in our member newsletter.
Zoosnooze
What do those animals do at night? Well, you're about to find out! Enjoy dinner in the zoo, a nighttime tour, a commissary "adventure" and movies with popcorn until it time to sleep under the Texas Stars!
Field Trips/Tours:
We welcome your group to The Texas Zoo! Come rain, come shine, get here on time! Our field trips and tours offer a unique experience in the golden crescent area. Each tour includes an entertaining look at our zoo residents. Ask about our behind the scenes tour.
The Texas Zoo
The Little Zoo with the Big Heart!
Over 40 Years of Conservation, Education and FUN!
Excerpted from an account by Bill Farnsworth - Former Board Member
In The Beginning...
The Texas Zoo had its beginnings in 1957 when James L. Yates, who ran a packing plant near Foster Field, donated an African lioness to Mayor W.R. McCright. The Mayor decided that Victoria should have a zoo and approached the Lions Club, who provided a cage. Fire Marshall L.B. Richardson was assigned responsibility and the Victoria City Zoo was born. Sid Drew was hired to operate the zoo.
In 1962 B.E. Leissner, a local pharmacist, and Lester A. Bugs Meis, a local pest control operator, who as active members of the Junior Chamber of Commerce had supported zoo development from the beginning, proposed creation of a Zoo Commission to oversee operations and planning. The City council agreed and appointed City Manager John Lee, and former Mayor W.R. McCright to the Commission along with Leissner and Meis. The Commission immediately renamed the zoo the Victoria Childrens Zoo and initiated a fund raising drive for expansion. Expansion plans called for a monkey island, snake house, large bird area, and cages for large animals. Visitors from 107 cities, 19 states, and Germany signed the guest register in the first nine days of the Childrens Zoo, demonstrating the value of the zoo as a tourist attraction.
The Zoo grew to include many species that were housed in barred/wired cages and pens. Bears, Barbados sheep, a camel, Russian Boars, an Anaconda, monkeys, parrots, parakeets, penguins, and peacocks were gradually accumulated. Many were donated like the pair of bears donated in 1959 by Tom OConnor and Victoria Bank and Trust Company. Over the years the OConnor brothers, Dennis and Tom, were consistent, strong supporters of Victorias zoos.
The Animal Kingdom Building was opened to the public on May 31, 1968. Mehrtens noted that the building was home to some 200 animals of 85 different species, including Moustache monkeys, Bahama land crabs, Fennec fox, Discus fish, and African chameleon.
The Texas Zoo opened in June 1976 with natural habitat exhibits in the areas surrounding the Animal Kingdom Building. About $750,000 had been raised to construct the zoo, almost all through donations and grants. Robert Thomas, John Killough, Bob Woodman, Kathleen Grimes, Paco Buhler, and David Smith led this successful fund raising. While funds raised met the original goal, rapid cost escalation during this period of time resulted in money being insufficient to accomplish the original scope.
he decision was made to reduce scope, rather than sacrifice the quality of construction, hoping to complete the project at a later date. The second phase of construction was never completed.
In June 1984, The Texas Zoo was designated The National Zoo of Texas by the 68th Texas Legislature. Legislation was sponsored by Representative Ken Armbrister and signed by Governor Mark White.
A lot of history has happened here at The Texas Zoo. We invite you to become part of this wonderful story of struggle and triumph as we take "The Little Zoo with the Big Heart" into the future!
Meet the Staff...
Michael King
Executive Director
Eric Mebane
Animal Curator
Saundra Haggerty
Commissary Manager
Dori Wedemeier
Office Manager
Tyler Maw
Animal Keeper
South Texas Zoological Society
Board of Directors
Officers
Board President - Doug Giles
Board Vice President - Melissa Rivera
Board Treasurer - Russell Buesing
Board Secretary - Allyson Pall - Griffin
Board Member at Large - Joel Rodriguez
Board Members
Ashlee Hankings - Seale
Dee Dee Ramirez
Kenny Duvall
Adam Wertman
Lauren Keag
Our Story...
Our Mission
The Texas Zoo connects people with wildlife from Texas and the rest of the world; inspires caring for nature; and advances conservation through education, recreation, science and action.
Click the corner of the page to read our story.
Guest Services
The Texas Zoo offers several different services for our guets.
* Concessions
* Stroller Rentals
* Wheel Chair Rentals
* Easy Access Parking
* Feeder Boxes for our petting zoo
* Educated Staff for questions
* Gift Shop
* Educational Facility
* Available Spaces for Parties or Events
Hours of Operations
Summer Hours - 9am to 6pm
(Memorial Day thru Labor Day)
Winter Hours - 9am to 5pm
(Labor Day thru Memorial Day)
Admission Pricing
Seniors 65 and above - $3.50
Adults 13 and above - $5.00
Children 12 and under - $4.00
Toddlers 2 and under - FREE
What's Happening...
Zoo Camp 2009
There are still spaces available for your kids to join in the fun this summer! Sign Up Today!
July 27 - 31, 2009
FULL DAY - $120 Member
$130 Non-Member
HALF DAY - $85 Member
$95 Non-Member
We also offer:
EXTENDED DAY CARE
7:30am - 9:00am
Also
4:00pm - 5:30pm
$50 per Camper
All Rights Reserved Copyright 2009 Tel: 361.573.7681
