Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where is the Ellen Trout Zoo located?
2. What time does the Zoo open?
3. What days does the Zoo close?
4. How much does admission cost?
5. How do I join Friends of the Ellen Trout Zoo?
6. What is the AZA?
7. How many animals do you have ?
8. Do you have plans to replace the Hippopotamus?
9. Do you have a petting zoo?
10. How can I help the zoo?
11. What about the train?
12. Do you allow fishing in Ellen Trout Lake?
13. What is a Species Survival Plan?  

The Zoo is located at 402 Zoo Circle, Lufkin, Texas 75904. On the north Loop 287, exit north on Martin Luther King and turn left immediately onto Zoo Circle. Parking is available along the street or the parking lots in Ellen Trout Park. Buses are requested to park in the Expo Center parking lot.  Call 936-633-0399 for more information.

Yahoo Map to the Zoo  

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The Zoo is open daily from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

This includes holidays and weekends.

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The Ellen Trout Zoo is open every day of the year.

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Admission Fees

$7.00 for adults 12-59
$6.00 seniors 60 and older
$3.50 for children 4-11
Children under 4 are free

Organized groups of 15 or more adults - $3.50 and children $1.75
School rate (students and teachers) - $2.00.

Zoo admission fees are split with a portion going into the City general fund to help support zoo operations and most going into the zoo building fund to make improvements and help the zoo grow. Current projects of the zoo building fund include the zoo’s new state of the art commissary, and newly renovated visitor walkways.

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What is the AZA?

AZA stands for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.  This professional organization is composed of accredited Zoos and facilities.  Accreditation is done every five years for every institution.  An inspection by peers is performed to ensure that member zoos meet established professional criteria.  Those meeting these criteria are accredited.

 

The Ellen Trout Zoo recently received its 5 year inspection and passed on 18 March 2004.  The Zoo has now been accredited for over 20 years and was one of the first zoos in Texas to receive accreditation.  Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things.  With its more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation, and your link to helping animals in their native habitats.  For more information visit www.aza.org. 

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How do I join Friends of the Ellen Trout Zoo ?

For more information on Friends of Ellen Trout Zoo, call 936-633-0399 or stop by the zoo at 402 Zoo Circle, Lufkin, TX 75904.  You can pick up a brochure and join a growing group of people supporting the zoo.  Or you can download a membership brochure by clicking here and following the instructions.

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How many animals do you have?

The Zoo houses close to 700 reptiles, birds and mammals from around the world.  Currently, the zoo is undergoing the largest expansion project since it opened in 1967.  Maasai Giraffe and White Rhinoceros exhibits opened in the summer of 1999.  A Nile Hippopotamus exhibit featuring under and above water viewing opened in 2002.

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Do you have plans to replace the Hippopotamus?   

Yes, Friends of Ellen Trout Zoo initiated a "Hippo Habitat Fund" to construct a new state of the art exhibit for river hippos.  The exhibit opened in 2002 with a naturalistic pool and underwater viewing.  In the future it will also provide a home for other species that can live with hippos. 

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Do you have a petting zoo?

We do not have a petting zoo because they require staff members to supervise activities of the animals and the people.

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How can I help the zoo?

You can help the zoo by joining Friends of the Ellen Trout Zoo, by participating in the "Adopt An Animal" program, by making a contribution to the "Hippo Habitat Fund", or by making a donation to the Zoo Building Fund.

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What about the train?

The Z & OO Railroad is owned and operated by the Lufkin Hosts Lions Club. It does not have any affiliation with the Ellen Trout Zoo or the City of Lufkin. The train ride takes about 8 minutes and goes around the park and across Ellen Trout Lake. Children 3 years of age and under ride free, everyone else is $2 (credit/debit cards not accepted). The proceeds benefit various projects and organizations in the area. From around the first of March until school starts in August the operating hours are from 10:00am until 3:00pm on weekdays and 10:00am until 5:00pm on weekends. When school starts in August and until March the operating hours are from 10:00am until 5:00pm on weekends and major school holidays. We do make special runs during the week for groups with advanced reservations. Reservations must be made by email to zootrain2001@yahoo.com and should be submitted at least two weeks in advance.

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Do you allow fishing in Ellen Trout Lake?

Yes, you may fish from any area along the bank.  However, you do need a fishing license to fish in Ellen Trout Lake.

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What is a Species Survival Plan (SSP)?

A Species Survival Plan (SSP) is a program in which zoos work cooperatively to carefully manage a species population.  The Ellen Trout Zoo participates in several SSP's including the tigers, rhinos, Bali mynahs, cotton-top tamarins, and others here at the Ellen Trout Zoo.  Look for this symbol  to identify SSP species.  To learn more about Species Survival Plans, click here.

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