Frequently Asked Questions

The Fort Worth Zoo was founded in 1909 with one lion, two bear cubs, an alligator, a coyote, a peacock and a few rabbits. Click here to learn more about the Zoo’s history.

Every year, the Fort Worth Zoo invests a significant portion of its annual operating budget into animal care, conservation and education programs. The Zoo’s annual operating budget is approximately $20 million.

The Fort Worth Zoo is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization run by the Fort Worth Zoological Association. In 1991, the Fort Worth Zoological Association assumed management of the Zoo from the City of Fort Worth, forming a successful public-private partnership.

The Fort Worth Zoo’s animal collection includes nearly 7,000 specimens, representing more than 500 species.

The Fort Worth Zoo employs more than 75 animal keepers. Animal keeper positions can be found in a variety of departments such as animal collections, nutrition services, animal health and animal outreach. 

The Fort Worth Zoo does not provide one-on-one keeper shadowing opportunites. Please see the. Zoo's Homework Help page for more information.

If the specific animal can be found at the Fort Worth Zoo, you can start your research on our website. We have also listed several useful websites below.