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Valued Members and Guests: Tickets for Admission MUST be Reserved in Advance Due to COVID Guidelines.
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Announcement Regarding Group Visits
COVID POLICY CHANGES DUE TO GOVERNOR’S MANDATES FOR ZOOS
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Yes! We’re open and we can’t wait to see you.
Exciting Activity at The Caldwell Zoo!
A NEW ARRIVAL
We can all use a little good news and hope right now.
So, introducing Amali!
“Amali” stands for “hope” in the Swahili language of East Africa.
Since she is a Grevy’s Zebra, which is the most endangered of all zebra species, Amali really is a beacon of hope. She is also crazy cute.
So, come visit her and she’ll certainly give you a big ol’ smile.
FIGHTING FOR SURVIVAL
We are so proud to announce the arrival of our new baby Reticulated Giraffe! She was born June 7th and endured some early challenges. We encourage you to watch the short film that shares her story.
We'd love to lift your spirits. Come and see her in person!
She is now available to be seen by the public within her habitat between 10:00am - 3:30pm, daily.
Zoo Camp is Back!
Summer is coming! That means Zoo Camp is back. We have so much fun packed into each camp! It will fill up quickly. Registration will open March 1, 2021!
Education Programs
ZooSchool and our newest program Homework Club, are geared to help families who homeschool and those balancing school/work challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Animal Encounters
Take a walk on the wild side and get behind the scenes! These exclusive experiences will take you there and allow you to get up close and personal with some of our residents here at the zoo.
Welcome Back!
The Caldwell Zoo is happy to announce that we’re open and ready to add fun to your summer.
Now is a great time to get outdoors, breathe some fresh air, stretch the legs and celebrate nature.
Of course, due to COVID-19, our campus has been modified to deliver the best experience while promoting the safety for all our guests, staff and animals. New measure have been put into place to maximize the fun, while keeping everything clear and healthy. Almost every area of the zoo is open and some exciting, new experiences are coming on line. It’s a great time to visit your zoo!
Please take a moment to review the following information as we update the details on a regular basis.
Modifications
Our number one goal is to make your visit to the zoo a good experience for all. The vast majority of the zoo is open and the animals are viewable in their standard habitats. Some adjustments have been made in response to COVID-19. The primary modifications have been made to provide adequate social distancing.
- All visitors (including Members) must reserve a time slot for their visit in order to allow for physical distancing inside the zoo.
- Time slots are valid for 30- minute entry times on a specific date, so please plan to arrive during your designated time to avoid overcrowding the front entrance of the zoo.
- Reentry will not be allowed after exiting
- The Chakula Café will be open, but with no inside seating. Guests can purchase refreshments and use our considerable outdoor dining space.
- The ability to use cash is limited.
- Please be prepared to pay for anything on campus with a valid credit or debit card. VISA, MasterCard and Discover are accepted.
- Certain parts of the zoo are temporarily closed
Please review the information below for more details and links to obtain admission.
Members
- Admission to the zoo should be reserved and purchased in advance via our website.
- Reservations will be valid for 30-minute entry time slots on a specific date.
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- Please make sure to bring either physical or digital copies of your time slot reservations for each member of your party, as well as your membership card or photo ID on the day of your visit.
- Click below to reserve your time slot.
If necessary, Zoo Members can renew their membership here prior to reserving a time slot.
Now is a GREAT time to become a zoo member. Membership has its privileges for sure. Members obtain easy access to reservations, free entry to zoo, special perks and insider information. With the current challenges due to COVID-19, being able to get out and visit the zoo is more rewarding than ever. Plus, you know you are directly helping the Caldwell Zoo and its family of spectacular animals.
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General Admission
- Admission to the zoo should be reserved and purchased in advance via our website.
- Admission tickets will be valid for 30-minute entry time slots on a specific date.
- Please make sure to bring either physical or digital copies of your ticket.Admission tickets will be valid for 30-minute entry time slots on a specific date.
- Click below to buy timed slot tickets.
GROUP VISIT ADJUSTMENT 2020
As per the Governor’s revised order, Zoos in Texas are limited to a maximum of 50% capacity. In order to accomplish this, we must limit our entrance capacity to 250 persons per 30-minute period throughout the day. If your organization is planning a group visit to the zoo, please take into account the following changes of policy. These modifications are effective immediately.
The government mandates greatly affect the number of guests that can be admitted to the zoo’s campus at all times. As a result, the zoo has set the following requirements.
- All groups must call the zoo in advance to reserve times to enter the park.
- Entry into the Zoo will be based solely on available park capacity.
- Reservations are required for all groups, including those that receive free admission.
- All chaperones are required to purchase a ticket to enter the zoo at a specific time. It is strongly recommended that these tickets are purchased in advance on the Zoo’s web store. The 20% discount for chaperones has been suspended.
The autumn season is usually a busy time for the zoo with school “field trips” and visits by several community organizations. Education is a constant and valued aspect of the zoo. Sharing the wonders of nature with the children of our community remains a vital part of our mission. We constantly strive to be a welcoming destination of organizations throughout the Tyler area. The Caldwell Zoo will always try to accommodate groups, large and small. We thank you in advance for collaborating with us to make visits to the zoo safe and efficient for everyone.
For all individual and group admittance, reservations must be made in advance. For reservations and other important information, please call 903-593-0121 ext. 0 for assistance with reservations.
Healthy Fun is Job #1
Zoo staff will wear proper PPE while on the zoo campus. Guests are strongly encouraged to wear a proper face mask or covering when on any part of the zoo campus. Social distancing is required while on the zoo campus. Hand sanitation stations will be available through the park.
The following Zoo features will be temporarily closed:
- Petting Pen
- Rhino House Building
- Events Meeting Room
- Playground is not open for use
- All water fountains are off limits (Cups of water will be available at the Chakula Café and the Snocone stand in the North American area free of charge).
Private events and birthday parties are currently unavailable. For any questions about programming, please contact Guest Relations.
Now, more than ever, the zoo cherishes its members. During these trying times, the Caldwell Zoo hopes to be an island of respite, where families can safely visit, get outside and be uplifted by the wonder of our animal kingdom residents.
Guest Path Through the Zoo
We are glad to announce that we are ending the one-way foot traffic through the park and have removed the barriers that were blocking certain pathways.
Please be aware that there may still be some minor safety restrictions in place and guests are expected to continue to stay at least 6 feet (2 meters) from other guests and all zoo staff.
Zoo News
Announcing a New Volunteer Program for Teens –
Zoo Crew!
Our Zoo Crew program provide valuable work experience for teens. Zoo Crew volunteers will be important contributors to the Caldwell Zoo’s super popular Summer Camps. Every day will be challenging and focused on fun!
Find out more and download the application form HERE!
