Caldwell Zoo

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Caldwell Zoo


Date opened	1953
Location	Tyler, Texas
Accreditations/ Memberships	AZA
Website

The Caldwell Zoo is a zoo located in the city of Tyler, Texas featuring animals from all over the world.

[edit] History

First opened in 1953 as the Caldwell Children's Zoo, it was a development of the Child Development Laboratory, operated by the Hogg Foundation and the American Association of University Women of Tyler which was run by Mr. and Mrs. D. K. Caldwell, they had brought in many animals for the enjoyment of the children and eventually they turned it into an official zoo.

By 1967 the zoo featured over 500 animals from 87 different species. In 1970, the zoo was broken into, and several animals were killed. This prompted the children of the area to collect money to help restore things. Enough money was raised for the zoo to acquire an African elephant and was the catalyst to modernize the entire zoo. The city granted them 40 acres of more land in 1976, and a large, long-term expansion project was undertaken. A new elephant enclosure was built, and giraffes were added in 1978. In 1983 a 15 acre native Texas area was opened, and in 1984 reptile and aquarium sections were opened. In 1987 major reconstruction of the African exhibits was completed, creating large pasture areas and an overlook. Throughout the 90s, more improvements were added. In 2002 a new veterinary hospital was completed, along with brooding areas, and a quarantine facility. The zoo now houses a "Wild Bird Walkabout" featuring over 400 parakeets and cockatiels. Bird, otter and penguin presentations have also expanded, allowing for the further education of the public. Plans are also in action to expand into the unused land surrounding the current zoo, including a new glass-enclosed aviary and improved habitats for animals. There will be several new animal additions accompanying these expansions including a colony of meerkats. At the moment, however, while the zoo saves funds to put their plans into action, two white tigers, Meka and Willieking have been traded from the Alexandria Zoo in Louisiana and have now been declared permanent displays, according to Caldwell Zoo employees, though the cats were only supposed to stay until the beginning of September.

[edit] Breeding

As a member of the AZA, the Caldwell Zoo participates in many breeding projects. Animals born at the zoo include giraffes, flamingoes, black rhinoceros, jaguars, giant anteaters, and many others. The zoo also participated in the first cheetah born through artificial insemination. Black-footed penguins are now being bred as well and will probably have young as soon as the currently owned penguins reach sexual maturity.