Zoos and Wildlife

peacock with beautiful plumage

Taking your kids to the zoo lets you watch the child-like wonder dancing in their eyes as they see their favourite picture-book characters come alive for the first time. Living, breathing animals are amazing, so let yourself be swept away by untamed nature with one of our area zoos or safaris.

busy b

  1. Busy B Ranch

    1100 W. Prospect Rd. Jefferson, TX 75657
    903-665-7448 Website

  2. Private log cabin cottages are located six miles North of historic Jefferson. Each log cabin is nestled only a few steps away from its own private bass lake. Fish, walk in the woods, or rock on the front porch. The lodge offers access to the great outdoors.

Caldwell Zoo Giraffes

  1. Caldwell Zoo


    2203 W. Martin Luther King Jr Blvd., Tyler, TX        
    903-593-0121       Website
  2. A natural for family fun, the 85-acre zoo is located about 45 minutes west of Longview in nearby Tyler, TX. The zoo features animals from all over the world including giraffes, elephants, buffalo, penguins, lions, tigers, and bears. Oh my!
Cherokee Trace

  1. Cherokee Trace Drive-Thru Safari 


    1200 County Road 4405, Jacksonville, TX        
    903-683-3322      Website
  2. This wildlife park, located about 55 minutes southwest of Longview, is home to an amazing variety of animals including over two dozen exotic and endangered species. Enjoy a self-guided drive through the hills and open spaces of this 300-acre preserve.
Gator up close

  1. Gators & Friends: Exotic Petting Zoo and Adventure Park


    11441 US-80, Greenwood, LA 71033        
    318-938-1199       Website
  2. Located about 45 minutes east of Longview, this Exotic Animal Petting Zoo and Adventure Park lets you take a walk on the wild side. Spend the day in nature with various exotic animals, zipline over a gator habitat, or speed around curves on Gator Raceway in high performance go-karts. 
Lazy Z Mini Ranch & Petting Zoo

  1. Lazy Z Mini Ranch & Petting Zoo

    3470 AB Carter, Hallsville, TX 75650
    903-720-0241    Website

  2. Your kiddos will love a trip to Lazy Z. They have a party tent, petting zoo, fishing hole, and hay rides. Themed birthday parties are also available. 

Zebra

  1. Lonesome Dove Drive-Thru Safari


    1782 US-59, Jefferson, TX        
    903-240-6180      Website
  2. Serene wildlife park nestled in the piney woods approximately 40 minutes north of Longview. Features zebra, highland cattle, camel, alpaca, goats, donkeys, and more. Encounter animals as you drive through the safari property or walk through the petting zoo. 
Tiger

  1. Tiger Creek Animal Sanctuary


    17552 FM14, Tyler, TX        
    903-858-1008      Website
  2. This 173-acre animal sanctuary and wildlife reserve is located approximately 45 minutes west of Longview.  The sanctuary is home to over forty rescued big cats and other endangered species. **May be closed to the public due to COVID-19, please check with venue before visiting.