The Texas Zoo - Victoria, Texas

Tracey R.

Loved that this zoo was small and enclosed family friendly to have your kids walk. Was disappointed because certain animals weren't in their enclosures either that they didn't have them or they were out of the heat which is understandable but that's okay because overall the animals that were out my kids enjoyed. The staff is very friendly and welcoming. I will definitely be going back when we have some cooler days!

Alyssa N.

Small zoo with only a few animals but it's something to do. I paid $40 for myself and 3 kids to get in and it took less than an hour to walk through.

Debra P.

Very disappointed in our visit today. It is our last day in Victoria, and we saved the zoo, thinking it would be a highlight. Our visit started oddly when we bought two senior tickets in the gift shop. The young lady said it would be $19, and I handed her a twenty. She put the twenty somewhere and then looked at me. I looked at her, waiting for my change. She asked if I needed a receipt. I said no thanks. After another few awkward seconds, she took out a cash box, opened it, and finally handed me a $1 bill. We walked through the zoo and were disappointed that many enclosures contained no animals. It was about 11am, so perhaps just a bad time to go? Some of the animals they do have are very common in the area (white tailed deer, racoon, goat, egret) and can be viewed for free when walking through the surrounding park. The water for the animals inside the cages was murky, slimy and clearly in need of cleaning and refill. Many (not all) of the enclosures were dilapidated and
Sorely in need of repair. Walkways were dirty. There either is no petting zoo or it was closed off. The concession stand was closed (looks permanently closed). And although we saw less than 10 other visi, there wasn't even paper towels in the one public restroom. We would not recommend anyone spend their money on this substandard zoo.

Ruth W.

Our first visit to The Texas Zoo was during a school field trip. They opened promptly at 10, and the payment process was smooth, especially with the convenience of Apple Pay. Upon entry, the gift shop caught our eye, but it could benefit from a wider selection of items to make it more appealing. They offer various vending machines, including snacks, drinks, and a popular off-brand version of Dippin' Dots, all easily accessible with tap payments.

The zoo itself is compact, allowing for a leisurely hour to explore and observe all the animals. The staff member who conducted the demonstration for the kids was friendly, engaging, and knowledgeable. The highlight for the children was definitely the opportunity to interact with a snake at the end. Additionally, we noticed they provide strollers, though we didn't use them, so it's unclear if there's a fee for their use.

However, the downside was the state of the outdoor restrooms, which desperately need updating and better maintenance. They were unpleasant and showed signs of neglect, with dead spiders and a missing latch on one stall. Even the indoor restroom had cleanliness issues, with a dead roach in one corner. Despite this, the rest of the facilities seemed well-maintained.

Andrea M.

To me the Victoria Zoo at Riverside Park is as good as it’s going to get in the 361 area! They’ve got Jags, a bear, snakes, lemurs, hawks, a beautiful eagle and more. If they could get a toucan and more rainforest feels it would bring so much more! My daughter enjoyed it! After that you can check out the duck pond which is also pretty fascinating if you feed the fish you can watch the wild life hunt too! Pretty cool when you see it up close and personal.

Lisa U.

Had been a few years since our last visit! It is still a wonderful place to go! Grandkids had fun not big crowds but clean and informative!

Velma R.

My family and I have wonderful memories of this zoo, going there frequently with our children when they were young, taking students on school trips, or taking visitors there. We were very depressed and broken hearted to see its condition today. Apparently there are a few exhibits being improved, but for the most part it is very dilapidated. Shame on the city for not doing more to support the zoo set in such a beautiful park. But, there is a new dog park and pond
area, and a lovely downtown plaza. If the zoo isn't going to get the support it deserves, be kind and move the animals to other city zoos that do have better support systems.

Evelyn S.

The staff here is super friendly! It's a small zoo, but the staff made the experience extra special. We watched feedings and even a training session with the otters! I highly recommend seeing it for yourself!