Caldwell Zoo

The Caldwell Zoo is an 85-acre (34 ha) zoo located in the city of Tyler, Texas. It features animals from all over the world.

Caldwell Zoo
Logo
Front entrance
Date opened1953[1]
LocationTyler, Texas
Coordinates32.3704°N 95.3268°W / 32.3704; -95.3268
Land area85 acres (34 ha)[2]
No. of animals2,000[2]
MembershipsAZA,[3] WAZA[4]
Websitewww.caldwellzoo.org

The Caldwell Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA).

History

The zoo had its origins in the Child Development Laboratory, which was started in 1937 and was operated by the Hogg Foundation and the American Association of University Women of Tyler. It was run by David King Caldwell and his wife, who brought in many animals for the enjoyment of the children.[5]

The zoo was officially opened on its current site in 1953. By 1967, the zoo featured over 500 animals from 87 different species. In 1970, the zoo was broken into, and several animals were killed. This prompted the children of the area to collect money to help restore things. Enough money was raised for the zoo to acquire an African elephant and was the catalyst to modernize the entire zoo. The city granted an additional 40 acres (16 ha) to the zoo in 1976, and a large, long-term expansion project was undertaken. A new elephant enclosure was built, and giraffes were added in 1978. In 1983 a 15-acre (6.1 ha) native Texas area was opened, and in 1984 reptile and aquarium sections were opened. In 1987 major reconstruction of the African exhibits was completed, creating large pasture areas and an overlook. Throughout the 90s, more improvements were added. In 2002, a new veterinary hospital was completed, along with brooding areas, and a quarantine facility. The zoo now houses a "Wild Bird Walkabout" featuring over 400 parakeets and cockatiels. Bird, otter and penguin presentations have also expanded, allowing for the further education of the public.

Two white tigers, Meka and Willieking were traded from the Alexandria Zoo in Louisiana in 2007 and have now been declared permanent displays, though they were originally only supposed to stay until the beginning of September 2007.

The Caldwell Zoo also houses the largest African elephant in North America.

Breeding

As a member of the AZA, the Caldwell Zoo participates in many breeding projects. Animals born at the zoo include reticulated giraffes, flamingoes, black rhinoceros, jaguars, giant anteaters, and many others. The zoo also participated in the first cheetah born through artificial insemination. African penguins are now being bred as well and will probably have young as soon as the currently owned penguins reach sexual maturity.

Under one of these AZA breeding programs, the zoo had a litter of four lion cubs born in January 2014. It is the first time in 20 years that the zoo has had a litter of lion cubs.[6]

The future

Plans for the future include expanding into the unused land surrounding the current zoo, with a new glass-enclosed aviary and improved habitats for animals. There will be several new animal additions accompanying these expansions, including a colony of meerkats.

Notes
  1. "About Caldwell Zoo". caldwellzoo.org. Caldwell Zoo. Archived from the original on 27 April 2010. Retrieved 24 April 2010.
  2. "Habitats & Exhibits". caldwellzoo.org. Caldwell Zoo. Archived from the original on 13 February 2011. Retrieved 24 January 2011.
  3. "Currently Accredited Zoos and Aquariums". aza.org. AZA. Retrieved 23 May 2012.
  4. "Zoos and Aquariums of the World". waza.org. WAZA. Retrieved 23 May 2012.
  5. David King Caldwell was a native of Scottsboro, Alabama, which he never forgot and where he gave generously to local causes. That community showed its deep gratitude to him by naming a park and a school after him. The park is King Caldwell Park (the name by which he went) and the school is Caldwell School, in which he took great interest and for many of whose students he paid for college educations.
  6. "Pride Parents: Big cats welcome their little lions - TylerPaper.com".
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