Ellen Trout Zoo, Municipal zoo in Lufkin, United States
Ellen Trout Zoo is a zoo in Lufkin spanning about 50 acres and housing diverse animal species in naturalistic enclosures designed to reflect their native environments. The facility brings together different habitat zones across the grounds, showcasing both familiar and exotic wildlife.
The zoo began in 1967 when Walter Trout received a hippopotamus named Hippie as a Christmas gift and decided to build a facility for the animal. This unusual start grew into the larger zoological project that exists today.
The zoo plays an important role in the Lufkin community, where schools, families, and local groups come together to experience wildlife and learn about animal behavior. It serves as a gathering place where people of all ages connect with nature through direct observation.
The zoo has various facilities such as picnic areas, food vendors, and a gift shop where visitors can rest and eat. A train called Wildlife Express transports guests through the grounds, making it easier to explore all sections of the property.
The hippopotamus exhibit features viewing areas both above and below the water level, allowing visitors to observe these large animals from different angles. This dual perspective lets people watch how the hippos move and behave in ways they would not see from a single vantage point.
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