Fort Worth's Zoo started off quite humbly in 1909 with one lion, two bear cubs, an alligator, a coyote, a peacock and a few rabbits. since then the zoo has grown and is now ranked as one of the top five in the United States, home to more than 5,000 animals living in natural habitat settings like Raptor Canyon, the Koala Outback and Asian Falls. A recently opened new eight-acre section called Texas Wild takes visitors on a journey through the state to see indigenous animals like swift foxes, ocelots and white-tailed deer, including some endangered species. This section includes a mock-up of a Texas town with a restaurant, store, saloon and jailhouse. Another popular diversion here is the chance to try managing a computer-simulated ranch. Even more recently, a Parrot Paradise, Great Barrier Reef display, Penguins exhbition and a Museum of Living Art (MOLA) have been opened. In addition to wildlife focused attractions, there are further entertainemtns available, such as a rock-climbing tower, a movie theatre, a carousel, a small express train, a weather theatre and a shooting gallery.

Address: 1989 Colonial Parkway, Fort Worth

Telephone: (817) 759 7555

Opening times: 10am to 5pm daily Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm Saturday to Sunday

Admission: $12 (adults); $9 (children 3-12 and seniors 65+); free admission for toddlers (under 2 years of age). Half price admission on Wednesdays