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Frequently Asked Questions

When was the Fort Worth Zoo formed?
The Fort Worth Zoo was founded in 1909 with one lion, two bear cubs, an alligator, a coyote, a peacock and a few rabbits.

How much does it cost to run the Fort Worth Zoo for a year?
Every year, the Fort Worth Zoo invests $8.4 million into animal care, conservation and education programs. The annual operating budget of the Zoo is $20 million.

Who owns the Fort Worth Zoo?
The Fort Worth Zoo is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization run by the Fort Worth Zoological Association. In 1991, the Fort Worth Zoological Association assumed management of the Zoo from the City of Fort Worth, forming a successful public-private partnership.

How many animals does the Fort Worth Zoo house?
The Fort Worth Zoo's animal collection includes more than 4,600 specimens, representing 521 species.

How many animal keepers work at the Fort Worth Zoo?
The Fort Worth Zoo employs 73 animal keepers. Animal keeper positions can be found in a variety of departments such as animal collections, nutritional services, animal health and animal outreach.

How big is the Fort Worth Zoo?
The Fort Worth Zoo is 64 acres in size and has been at its current location since 1910.

Can I interview or shadow an animal keeper or veterinarian?
The Fort Worth Zoo does not provide one-on-one keeper shadowing opportunities. Please see the Zoo's Homework Policy for more information or to read staff interviews.

What information do you have on the animal I am researching?
If the specific animal can be found at the Fort Worth Zoo, you can start your research on this site. We have also listed several useful websites.

Where do I look for more information?

Are you or your students doing a report about an animal? Here are some helpful hints to find what you need.

The best place to start is the Internet. The Fort Worth Zoo's website has a wealth of information, just a click away! You can also use Google or other search engines to see what information is available. Keep in mind the most accurate information will be found on websites of zoos, natural history museums, well-known conservation organizations and government agencies. There are also many books, periodicals and reference materials available that can help with your research.

Links below will open into a new window.

Association of Zoos & Aquariums offers information about zoos and conservation programs.

American Association of Zoo Keepers provides information on zoo keeping as a career.

Nature Serve offers authoritative information on more than 65,000 plants, animals, and ecosystems of the United States and Canada.

Animal Info offers information on rare, threatened and endangered mammals.

Amphibia Web: All about amphibians

Yahoo! for kids has links to a wealth of animal information.

Conservation Organizations

National Fish and Wildlife Federation

National Wildlife Federation

Conservation International

National Parks Conservation Association

International Elephant Foundation

International Rhino Foundation

International Iguana Foundation

Publications/Television

Discover

Science News

Discovery

Zoo Books

National Geographic

Government Agencies

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

National Park Service

 

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