Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo: Our Journey
Animal World and Snake Farm Zoo, located in New Braunfels, TX, has a rich history and an inspiring future. Once known as a popular roadside attraction famed for its extensive collection of snakes and reptiles, it has transformed into a fully accredited zoological park housing over 500 species of animals. This blog will take you through the fascinating journey of our zoo, highlighting its historical roots, mission, vision, and expansion plans. Additionally, we will delve into what it means to be ZAA Accredited, showcasing our commitment to superior animal care and wildlife conservation. Join us as we explore the story of Animal World and Snake Farm Zoo, a place where education, conservation, and adventure come together.
Join us in exploring the fascinating journey of Animal World and Snake Farm Zoo! Plan your visit today to experience our incredible transformation!
Pop Culture References: Dirty Jobs and “Snake Farm”
Animal World and Snake Farm Zoo has not only captured the hearts of visitors but has also made a significant impact on pop culture. Our zoo was famously featured on the popular TV show “Dirty Jobs,” where host Mike Rowe got hands-on experience with some of our fascinating and exotic animals. This episode brought national attention to our zoo and highlighted the unique and often challenging work that goes into caring for animals.
In addition to our television fame, our zoo has also been immortalized in music. The country song “Snake Farm” by Ray Wylie Hubbard celebrates our zoo with catchy lyrics and a memorable tune, further cementing our place in popular culture. These references showcase the zoo’s unique charm and draw in visitors eager to experience the place they’ve seen and heard about in their favorite shows and songs.
Discover the zoo featured on Dirty Jobs and celebrated in the song “Snake Farm.” Visit us to see what makes us a pop culture icon! We’ve even recently reopened and renovated our famous Rattlesnake Pit!
Our History
The Beginning of Snake Farm: Established in 1967, the original “Snake Farm” quickly became one of the most prominent must-see attractions in the San Antonio/Austin area. Its founding provided a home to an extensive collection of snakes, reptiles, and other exotic mammals. With its historic roots and loyal fan base, the “Snake Farm” became a popular roadside attraction that both locals and tourists alike were drawn to. It embodied the charm and curiosity of a classic 1960s zoo, featuring concrete slab cages and chain link fencing that mirrored the style of the era.
Transition to Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo: In 2007, the facility received new ownership and, with it, a bold vision for transformation. The Snake Farm transitioned to Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo,
evolving from a quaint roadside stop into a fully accredited zoological park. This rebranding marked the beginning of a new era for the zoo, expanding its collection to over 500 different species of animals. The transition involved an increase in the variety of animals and a significant upgrade in the quality of their habitats.
Under the new ownership, the zoo undertook massive renovations and expansions. Most original exhibits were restored, renovated, and rebuilt, focusing on creating more significant, more naturalistic enclosures that promote healthier and happier lifestyles for the animals. The zoo’s commitment to superior animal husbandry, conservation, education, and research was recognized with the Zoological Association of America (ZAA) accreditation. This accreditation highlights the zoo’s dedication to maintaining high standards in all operations, from animal care to visitor experience.
As the zoo grows and evolves, it remains dedicated to providing visitors with an intimate, up-close, and personal experience. With interactive shows, unique outreach and education programs, and special event venues, Animal World and Snake Farm Zoo offer an engaging and educational adventure for guests of all ages. The journey from a small roadside attraction to a fully accredited zoo is a testament to the dedication and vision that continue to drive the growth and success of Animal World and Snake Farm Zoo.
Our Mission & Vision
Our Mission: At Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo, we aim to connect people, animals, and the world they share. We foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of wildlife through education, conservation, and hands-on interactions. By offering engaging educational programs and interactive experiences, we aim to inspire our visitors to care about and protect the natural world, cultivating environmental literacy and encouraging a lifelong commitment to wildlife conservation.
Our Vision: Our vision is to become a leader in education and conservation, creating a diverse, thriving, and sustainable natural world. We aspire to be a place where people of all ages can learn about the importance of biodiversity and their role in preserving it. Through innovative exhibits, comprehensive enrichment programs, and cutting-edge research initiatives, we are committed to advancing animal welfare and promoting sustainable living practices. Our vision encompasses the care and well-being of the animals in our care and the broader impact we can have on global conservation efforts.
At Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo, connecting people with wildlife can inspire positive change and empower communities to take action to preserve our planet’s ecosystems. Our dedication to this vision drives every aspect of our work, from exhibit design to educational program development. We are committed to making a lasting impact on our visitors and the world we all share.
Expansion and Growth
Phase 1: Restoration and Improvement
The transformation of Animal World and Snake Farm Zoo began with an ambitious restoration and improvement plan. Prior to new ownership, the zoo was known as the “Snake Farm,” a small roadside attraction featuring a modest collection of exotic snakes and a few mammals. Situated on just 3 acres, the original Snake Farm mirrored the typical zoo design of the 1930s, with concrete slab cages and chain-link fencing.
Phase 1 of our master plan focused on restoring and revitalizing these pre-existing exhibits from 1967. We undertook extensive renovations to increase enclosure sizes and create more naturalistic habitats, providing our animals with environments that closely mimic their natural surroundings. These improvements have significantly enhanced the well-being of our animals, promoting healthier and more enriched lives.
We also prioritized improving the overall visitor experience as we upgraded the animal habitats. Our goal was to connect visitors more deeply with the natural world, fostering a sense of environmental literacy and stewardship. By creating engaging and educational exhibits, we aimed to inspire our guests to appreciate and protect the diverse wildlife that shares our planet.
The restoration and improvement efforts in Phase 1 laid the foundation for the continued growth and development of Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo. With each enhancement, we are better equipped to fulfill our mission of connecting people, animals, and the world they share.
Phase 2: Expansion and Growth
Phase 2 of Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo’s master plan centers on significant expansion and growth. Understanding that guest experience is paramount, we have set ambitious goals to enhance both the zoo’s infrastructure and the visitor experience. Our visitors’ support and engagement are crucial, as they enable us to participate actively in conservation, breeding programs, education, and more.
One of the primary objectives of Phase 2 is to build a new entranceway that doubles as a gift shop with designated party rooms for group events. This new facility will provide a welcoming and engaging entry point for all our visitors. Additionally, we plan to remodel the original “Snake Farm” building and its associated retail shop, preserving its historical charm while upgrading its functionality.
To accommodate the increasing number of visitors, we will pave the existing parking lot and expand it to provide more parking spaces. We also plan to pave the paths and walkways throughout the park, ensuring a more comfortable and accessible experience for all guests.
A major highlight of our expansion is acquiring an additional 26 acres of land behind the current property. Combined with the 6 acres the zoo occupies, this expansion will bring the total area to over 30 acres. This additional space will allow us to introduce various new animals and exhibits, including a prospective safari park, a bar and restaurant, a kangaroo walkabout, and a giraffe feeding station.
Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo’s mission to protect biodiversity, promote animal welfare, encourage sustainable living practices, and empower communities remains at the core of our expansion plans. By continually enhancing our facilities and programs, we aim to inspire visitors to join us in our commitment to conservation and education.
See the results of our restoration efforts and improved animal habitats. Visit us to experience the new and enhanced exhibits!
What ZAA Accreditation Means for Our Zoo
Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo is proud to be accredited by the Zoological Association of America (ZAA), a prestigious recognition that underscores our commitment to excellence in animal care, conservation, education, and research. Achieving ZAA Accreditation is a rigorous process involving meeting and maintaining high standards across various zoo operations.
ZAA Accreditation signifies that our zoo adheres to superior animal husbandry practices. These include providing our animals with high-quality nutrition, enriching environments, and comprehensive veterinary care. Our dedication to these practices ensures that the animals in our care lead healthy, enriched lives, reflecting our commitment to their well-being.
Conservation is a cornerstone of our mission, and ZAA Accreditation highlights our active involvement in wildlife conservation efforts. We participate in breeding programs for endangered species, contribute to habitat preservation projects, and support initiatives that aim to protect local and global biodiversity.
Education is another critical aspect of our work. Being ZAA Accredited means that we offer robust educational programs designed to inspire and inform our visitors about the importance of wildlife conservation. Through interactive exhibits, hands-on learning experiences, and outreach programs, we strive to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the natural world.
Research is vital in advancing our knowledge of animal behavior, health, and conservation strategies. Our ZAA Accreditation demonstrates our commitment to contributing to scientific research that can benefit wildlife populations worldwide. By collaborating with other accredited institutions and participating in research initiatives, we continue to expand our impact on global conservation efforts.
In summary, ZAA Accreditation is a testament to our dedication to maintaining the highest standards in all areas of our operation. It reinforces our mission to connect people, animals, and the world they share through education, conservation, and exceptional animal care. We invite our visitors to experience the benefits of our accreditation firsthand and join us in our ongoing journey to protect and preserve wildlife.
Want to know more about ZAA Accreditation? Check out more information here!
The Journey
The journey of Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo is one of transformation, dedication, and passion. From our humble beginnings as a roadside attraction to becoming a fully accredited zoological park, every step has been driven by a commitment to excellence in animal care, conservation, and education. Our mission to connect people, animals, and the world they share is at the heart of everything we do.
Our rich history, marked by significant milestones and continuous growth, is a testament to our dedicated team’s tireless efforts and our community’s unwavering support. Each restoration project, new exhibit, and educational program reflects our vision to inspire a deeper appreciation for the natural world and empower future generations to protect it.
Achieving ZAA Accreditation has reinforced our commitment to maintaining the highest standards and has elevated our ability to make a meaningful impact on wildlife conservation. It symbolizes our dedication to providing the best care for our animals, engaging our visitors with enriching experiences, and contributing to global conservation efforts.
We invite you to join us on this incredible journey. Visit us to witness the transformation firsthand, participate in our educational programs, and become a part of our conservation mission. Together, we can create a world where wildlife thrives and strengthens the connection between people and nature.
At Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo, we believe in the power of education and conservation to bring about positive change. Our story is one of hope, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to making the world a better place for all its inhabitants. Thank you for being a part of our story and supporting our mission to create a brighter future for wildlife and the natural world.
Join us on our journey and make a positive impact on wildlife conservation. Visit Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo and support our mission today!