Dallas or FW Zoo

[h00kemh0rns]

Whats the differences between the two? One worth going to over the other?

[AjP]

I heard from many people FW is better zoo

[snidow]

The biggest difference is that the Ft Worth Zoo is newer so it's exhibits are more open in general. The Dallas Zoo is owned by the city and suffers due to budget cuts and such but it's a good zoo and they are working hard to improve things. You can see many of the animals at both zoo's in very open areas allowing for photo ops. I like to go to both because they do provide different animals and settings. Another option is the Caldwell Zoo in Tyler it's a nice place to get good photos as well.

[h00kemh0rns]

Would love to hear from all the Zoo fanatics (you know who you are) to chime in. Was contemplating doing the Dallas Zoo just due to logistics with location. But if the FW zoo has the newer/better exhibits...then it would be worth the extra miles.

[brad]

My biggest complaint with the Dallas Zoo is that it is so spread out... it seems like it takes forever to walk the park. That said, they have made major improvements in recent years, giving the animals more "natural" habitats. They are aware of their image, especially after the gorilla escape, and are trying to improve it.

Still, I prefer the Fort Worth Zoo... it just feels more interactive and more photographer friendly.

[zeroendless]

FW zoo is well worthed the trip if you have to pick one ONLY especially now with the 4 cute little cubs. It's cleaner, bigger and more animals with wider open area for photo-op. All the big dawgs...tiger, cheetah, lions, bears, thinkers, gorillas..etc aren't wired!!! and distance is good for picture. You probably hate Dallas zoo compare to FW. Like others say, FW is private while Dallas is Public zoo..... hope that helps.

Come up for the weekend, try out FW first and if you think u get enough, hit Dallas the next day.

[h00kemh0rns]

Yes, this helps alot. The African Safari @ the Dallas Zoo was one I was interested in. However, if the FW Zoo is the better overall place to go then I'll probably make that trip.

[byarger]

Ft. Worth Zoo - no question. Even taking photography out of the picture a much better zoo, more natural settings for the animals. Bigger enclosures. Wider variety of exhibits.

[Guther]

The FW zoo gets my vote. but since you mentioned African Safari... you might be intrested in Fossil Rim as well. http://www.fossilrim.com/index.php

[xseption]

Originally Posted by h00kemh0rns

Yes, this helps alot. The African Safari @ the Dallas Zoo was one I was interested in. However, if the FW Zoo is the better overall place to go then I'll probably make that trip.

You may want to visit the Dallas Zoo first, then you won't know what you are missing ...

edd

[h00kemh0rns]

LOL...FW Zoo on Saturday then Dallas on Sunday?
Maybe, but that might be a tad much on the animals for me. I mean if you see one lion you've seen 'em all. Just looking for the best overall, user opion, zoo.

[Holly]

Top Texas Zoos
#1 Fort Worth ZooThe Fort Worth Zoo houses 435 species of animals, including 35 endangered species. It is the only zoo in the U.S. to house representatives of all four Great Ape species — gorillas, orangutans, bonobos and chimpanzees; and the only zoo in Texas with pygmy chimps. This zoo has one of the largest reptile collections in the U.S., and is also one of only five zoos in the world to display three of the five rhino species in captivity: black, white and one-horned Asian rhinos. Info: (817) 759-7555.

#2 Dallas ZooThe Dallas Zoo's nearly 100 acres, in the Oak Cliff section of Dallas, are home to around 8,000 animals. It's the oldest zoo in Texas, founded in 1888. The park's six habitats can be toured by monorail via the Monorail Safari, a one-mile tour lasting about 25 minutes. The Dallas Zoo is a participant in the national Species Survival Plans for 37 species, including gorillas, tigers, chimps, lemurs, okapis and Bali mynahs. Info: (214) 670-5656.

#3 San Antonio ZooThe San Antonio Zoo is located just a hop away from Downtown in historic Brackenridge Park. This zoo houses 3,500 animals representing 750 species. Its conservation programs include working with flamingo, white rhino, black rhino, snow leopard, whooping crane and other endangered species. A large section of the zoo is set aside specifically for children and children's programs. Info: (210) 734-7184.

#4 Houston ZooLocated in Hermann Park, the Houston Zoo is the most-visited zoo in Texas. Recently privatived, the zoo is undergoing upgrades and expansions that should only add to the enjoyment for visitors. The Houston Zoo is set on 55 acres and houses more than 3,500 animals representing more than 700 species. Info: (713) 533-6500.


I would go for Fort Worth for the reptile exhibit alone. :)

[h00kemh0rns]

I wasn't happy with the SA Zoo at all. Poorly designed and not maintained that well. IMHO

[Jake]

My vote go's to Ft Worth. A lot of people like the Caldwell Zoo in Tyler, I have not been but I would like to go.

[Bruce M. Morris]

In addition to what has been said before, the FW Zoo has a whole seperate section called Texas Wild that is dedicated to the variety of wildlife here in Texas. Each area is separated according to region and you walk through the Piney Woods East Texas to Coastal South Texas and so on.. Lots of UP CLOSE opportunities with the animals as well as very informative displays.
Most of the settings in FW are such that with some careful exposure/aperture control, you can make the animals appear in wild settings, eliminating the cage/wires/etc of the manmade. Well worth the trip for you.