civic forum

 
 
Fort Worth Zoo—1989 Colonial Parkway, Fort Worth 817-759-7555  
Voted one of the top attractions in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, this zoo is my family’s favorite. Tree-shaded, winding paths lead to large, lush exhibits that allow you to get close to an amazing variety of creatures including entertaining chimpanzees, gorillas, elephants, rhinos, cheetahs, hippos, lions, white tigers, meerkats, otters that perform underwater antics and an 8-acre Texas exhibit. The zoo’s newest feature is the Great Barrier Reef, an aquatic exhibit with three saltwater tanks containing more than 10,000 gallons of water, vibrant fish, coral and sharks. In addition to the animal exhibits, the zoo also boasts a carousel, petting corral, play barn where kids can dress up as animals, a 25-foot rock climbing wall and the Yellow Rose Express—a train that travels between the Safari Depot and the Texas Wild! exhibit. Admission is $10.50 for adults, $8 for kids 3-12, with an additional $5 for parking. The zoo hosts its 11th annual Fort Worth Zoo Run Run on Saturday, April 19.  
 
Fossil Rim Wildlife Center—3 miles west of Glen Rose on County Road 2008  
This 9.5-mile scenic drive-through wildlife park takes visitors through 1,800 acres of wooded hills and African-like savannahs where more than 50 species of animals roam, many of them coming right up to your window to eat feed (available for purchase at the center) out of your hand. A full-color brochure, provided at the beginning of the drive, helps visitors identify the different animals, although some, such as the zebras that will come right up to your window and the giraffes that bend their heads to look inside your car, require no identification. More sensitive endangered creatures such as cheetahs, rhinoceros and wolves can be spotted within fenced viewing areas. Be sure to stop at the Overlook, a picturesque spot a little over halfway through the drive where you can get out of your car and stretch, visit the Children’s Animal Center, shop at the Nature Store or grab a bite to eat. Visitors are not allowed outside their vehicles during the drive, and minivan doors cannot be opened, so plan to take a vehicle that has windows that roll down for optimum viewing. Admission is $22.95 for adults, $16.95 for children 3-11 on weekends, and $20.95 (adults) and $13.95 (children) on non-holiday weekdays. Wednesday rates are $12.95 and $5, respectively. The park is open daily from 8:30 to 5:30. Guided tours and overnight accommodations are also available. Call 254-897-2960 or visit www.fossilrim.org for more information.  
 
Grisham Farms  
Although Grisham Farms in McKinney is technically a private petting zoo, they will open up for two-hour visits during the week for moms’ groups and playgroups (as well as special needs groups) with a minimum of 10 paying guests at a cost of $5 per person over the age of 18 mo. (no more than 30 kids, please). Or you can have the zoo come to you for $125 for a 45-minute, 10-animal presentation with less than 25 children. Visitors can feed, brush, pet and learn about each of the animals at their leisure. The farm has a lot of animals you’d expect to find, such as sheep, a miniature horse, pot belly pigs, bunnies, guinea pigs and goats, as well as some more unusual animals like hedgehogs, sugar gliders, a bearded dragon, a leopard gecko, a Boa Constrictor, hamster, dove, a box turtle, chinchillas, a green tree frog, hairless rats, a tarantula and a blue tongued skink. Call 214-544-7255 to book a visit.  
 
Frank Buck Zoo—California Street at I-35, Gainesville 940-668-4533  
This small zoo is home to over 130 animals including red kangaroos, zebras, porcupines, bears, raccoons, owls and more. Public giraffe feedings take place on the elevated walkway next to the giraffe barn at 10:30 am each morning for $1 per piece of food. In addition to seeing the animals, guests can take a ride on the miniature train, play on the circus-themed playground, or enjoy a picnic under huge shade trees in the 85-acre park that encompasses the zoo. The park also includes a gift shop, swimming pool and ball fields. On April 18, the zoo presents Family Movie Night at 8 p.m. featuring "Over the Hedge." Outside food and drinks are not allowed, but popcorn and drinks will be available for purchase. The zoo is open daily from 9-5. Admission is $6 for ages 1-12, $4 for adults.  
 
In-Sync Exotics—3430 Skyview Drive, Wylie 972-442-6888  
This exotic feline rescue and education center in Wylie offers self-guided tours between 11 am and 6 pm on weekends and provides kids with a unique opportunity to visit and observe big cats up close. The resident cats include numerous tigers and cougars, as well as several lions, bobcats, leopards, lynx and one serval. Requested donation is $10 for adults, $7 for children 3-12. Strollers are not allowed as they spook a few of the cats.  
 
International Exotic Animal Sanctuary—940-433-5091  
Located approximately 70 miles west of Allen in Boyd, Texas, the International Exotic Animal Sanctuary is home to exotic animals such as bobcats, cougars, tigers, lions, jaguars, leopards and bears that have been abused, abandoned or neglected. Tours are typically at 11 am and 3 pm on Saturdays and 11 am on Sundays, but weekday tours are available with advance notice. The minimum suggested donation is $20 for adults, $10 for children. Visit their website at www.bigcat.org for more information and directions.