Caldwell Zoo

Caldwell Zoo is a wildlife facility in Tyler spanning 85 acres with habitats for Texas native animals, African species, and North American creatures. The grounds are organized by geographic regions, with each area designed to recreate natural living conditions.

The zoo opened in 1937 as a small children's petting area and gradually grew into a larger complex. Over the decades, breeding and conservation programs were introduced to protect threatened animal species.

The zoo serves as a community gathering place where families and schoolchildren connect with animals from around the world through hands-on learning opportunities. Local residents often return multiple times to witness seasonal changes in the habitats and animal behaviors.

Morning visits offer the best experience as animals are more active and crowds are lighter. Wear comfortable shoes since the grounds are rolling terrain with substantial walking paths.

A section called Amazon River's Edge displays jaguars, sloths, and giant river otters in habitats with flowing water that mimics their natural surroundings. This specialized area attempts to preserve the complex ecosystem of the Amazon rainforest.

Location: Tyler

Website: https://caldwellzoo.org

GPS coordinates: 32.37108,-95.32532

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:42