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The Dallas Zoo at 650 South R.L. Thornton Freeway (I-35 E), three miles south of downtown Dallas, was founded in 1888 and is the oldest Zoo in the state of Texas. It is situated on 95 acres, making it the biggest Zoo in Texas by acreage. The zoo participates in national Species Survival Plans for 37 species, including gorillas, tigers, chimps, lemurs, okapis and Bali mynahs. The three feature attractions are summarized here. "Zoo North" includes the Endangered Tiger Habitat, a one-acre exhibit resembling a rainforest; Primate Place with Mona Monkeys from South Africa, Titi, Saki and Spider Monkeys from South America, Gibbons and Langurs from S.E. Asia; Snout Route housing animals with distinctive noses, including tapirs, anteater, hornbills, dik-dik antelope, peccaries, and a fennec fox (world's smallest fox); Large Mammal Building with elephants and giraffes; Up, Up the Hill with bighorn sheep, camel and antelope; Historic Bird Valley; and a Bird and Reptile Building. The "Wilds of Africa", which has been named the best African zoo exhibit in the U.S. by The Zoobook: A Guide to America's Best, is a 25-acre tract featuring major African habitats (bush, desert, forest, woodland, river and mountain environments) allowing a variety of birds and mammals to dwell in surroundings that accurately duplicate their native habitats. The "Children's Zoo" allows for hands-on interaction for the youngsters with goats, rabbits, guinea pigs and others.
The Dallas Zoo is closed on Christmas Day. There is a seasonal monorail in the "Wilds of Africa" exhibit. There's a cafe, sandwich shop, gift shop, stroller and wheelchair rentals.
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