Tyler Morning Telegraph (November 30, 2002)

Caldwell Zoo in Tyler long has been recognized as among the best anywhere, and it keeps getting better with a $6 million capital improvements project due to be completed next summer.

When those improvements are completed, the operation will go in a new direction by charging admission fees for the first time in the nearly 50 years it has been open in Tyler, Zoo Executive Director Hayes Caldwell has announced.

The idea of the Caldwell Zoo charging admission fees makes sense. Visitors to Tyler who make the zoo one of their stops are usually amazed by the high quality of the operation, and the fact that it has not charged an admission fee. No doubt, a large portion of the zoo's visitors are from outside the city.

Caldwell Zoo is one of 208 zoos in North America accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association. It currently is the only free admission zoo that does not receive public funding. Making the attraction self-sustaining is an understandable goal.

Some people are going to consider the initial admission prices announced high since they are going from zero, but it is probable that they were arrived at by comparing with prices at other operations plus looking at the needs for operating expenses.

Zoo officials did say they plan to maintain four admission-free days during the year, which have yet to be determined. The admission price plan announced includes lower rates for groups of 10 or more, and set rates for individual and family annual passes.

More than 600,000 visitors are attracted by the Caldwell Zoo each year, and officials said they do not expect adoption of admission charges to have a significant impact on attendance. Experience at other zoos has been to experience a dip in attendance when admission fees are started, or increased, Caldwell said, "but that's usually only for a short period of time."

Since its inception, the zoo has been closely tied to the Caldwell Foundation, which has provided all funding for the operation. Caldwell Zoo has more than 2,000 animals from 250 species. In addition, it has successfully bred cheetahs, black rhinos, giraffes, Chilean flamingoes, Grevy zebras and giant anteaters. Director of Visitor Services Mike Tucker estimated the annual operating cost at $4 million.

Charging admission to make the zoo self-sustaining is looked upon as an opportunity to allow the foundation "to work on other projects and have an expanded role in Tyler and the community," Caldwell said.

New construction at the zoo since 2001 includes expanded parking facilities for 750 cars and a bus parking lot with picnic areas and restroom facilities. Also included are a 4,500 square-foot animal hospital and separate buildings for holding mammals and birds not on exhibit.

A $2.2 million zoo entry plaza is the "crown jewel" of the current improvement project, Caldwell said. There will be new facilities for visitor services, an expanded gift shop and an adjacent petting pen. Future plans include addition of more animals, further capital improvements and expanding the education program.

This might be a good time for local visitors' attractions to consider a combined ticket plan, with one ducat at a special price valid for admission to several operations. This is something that is done in many other cities and it is a good promotional tool. Tickets good for admission to several attractions are sold at a discount less than the total price would be if purchased separately.

People who travel know that there are few attractions of any kind these days that do not charge an admission.

Those who operate Caldwell Zoo do it better than it is done in a lot of other places, including many cities much larger than Tyler. The outstanding attraction they present does seem to be worth an admission fee.

Used with permission, Tyler Morning Telegraph