Ellen Trout Park & Zoo, Lufkin

I have been traveling to most of the zoos around Texas this summer, and I can say without a doubt that this zoo is one of the worst out there. With a few exceptions (giraffes and rhinos), all of the enclosures(cages) are very small and some border (and actually cross the boarder) of being inhumane. The bear exhibit was dreadful, and being that it is the very first thing you see when you enter the zoo it makes for an awful impression. The fact that I could have literally stuck my hand in a pool full of 10 foot long alligators with not problem really scares me (not to mention the same with their Nile crocodiles). The fact that this place actually has AZA accreditation baffles my mind. If you want to visit a zoo in East Texas, do yourself a favor, and head north to Tyler and visit the Caldwell Zoo. Caldwell for my money, may be one of the best zoos around.

I have been to the zoo since I was a little girl. I love to see the new things that they have done; new animals. They train ride is a must. Every time we would come to town to visit family, we would always go to the zoo it is always a must. Keep up all the great work, as always you have done.

I really enjoy this zoo. It's just the right amount of time for a toddler or anyone else who does not want to be in the summer heat too long. Most of it seems to be in the shade. There are plenty of places to rest on your journey through the zoo. There is also the zoo train and a park.

The Ellen Trout Zoo is great - they have lots of new exhibits and a brand new train that you can ride around the zoo. They have places to have a picnic and let the kids blow off steam on the playground. Its a great way to spend the day and very inexpensive.

This is the Family Place! The Zoo is a great place in Lufkin to learn something new! They just got a Rainforest Arera. They have garafes, hippos, allagators, kamoto dragons, monkeys, etc. I will come back! YES!