Most people know about the zoos in bigger cities such as Austin, Dallas, and Houston. However, the Ellen Trout Zoo in Lufkin deserves just as much attention. With over 800 mammals, reptiles, and birds living at the zoo, you will never run out of animals to look at!

Peacocks are just one of the amazing animals you’ll see at this underrated zoo. This is a male peacock, distinguishable by the long tail feathers. They’re allowed to roam freely, so you’ll get an up-close and personal experience with these beautiful birds. Just don’t get too close - they are very territorial creatures.

Ellen Trout Zoo/Facebook

Nestled in the heart of East Texas, there’s plenty of shade to keep you cool on a hot day. Bring your family to see the animal families at the zoo!

Facebook/Ellen Trout Zoo

Aren’t hippos just the cutest? These are the only two living at the zoo, named Nakili and Jazi!

Facebook/Ellen Trout Zoo

This is a bontebok, a type of antelope native to South Africa, Lesotho, and Namibia. What a gorgeous animal!

Facebook/Ellen Trout Zoo

And who doesn’t love giraffes? They are the tallest terrestrial animal, capable of growing up to 18 feet tall.

Facebook/Ellen Trout Zoo

Porcupines are some of the cutest animals around, even though they’re part of the rodent family.

Facebook/Ellen Trout Zoo

Lions are one of the most majestic creatures around. Don’t you just wish you could pet him?

Facebook/Ellen Trout Zoo

Admission rates are as follows: $7.00 for adults 12-59, $6.00 for seniors 60 and older, and $3.50 for children 4-11. Children under 4 get in free.

Ellen Trout Zoo/Facebook

Facebook/Ellen Trout Zoo

The Zoo is open daily from 9:00 a.m. and stops taking admissions at 4:30 p.m., but visitors may remain in the zoo until 5:00 p.m. This includes holidays and weekends.

Have you ever been to this zoo in Lufkin? If you have, share your experience with us in the comments! If you’d like more information about the zoo, visit their website or Facebook page.

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Address: 402 Zoo Cir, Lufkin, TX 75904, USA