Abilene Zoo Celebrates 50 Years with 10 Cent Admission

The Abilene Zoo will celebrate its golden anniversary July 9 by saving parents a little gold. Children ages 12 and younger will get in the gate for only a dime, just as they did on opening day in July 1966.

The zoo’s 50^th Anniversary and MusicFest will celebrate decades of making memories with a full day of musical performances, along with zoo keeper chats, an alligator bounce house, special guests, and even some highlights from the zoo’s history.

“It’s a day for the community to celebrate how far we’ve come and the people who made it possible,” said Director Bill Gersonde. “Abilenians are proud of what we’ve built here.”

The animals also will get in on the fun. Zookeepers are creating treats, cakes and gift boxes to put out as animal enrichment that day. 

At 10 a.m., Mayor Norm Archibald will declare it “Abilene Zoo Day” to mark the milestone, while the Abilene Chamber of Commerce Red Coats and families will dignify the day with a tribute. Birthday cupcakes will be handed out while they last.

MusicFest is made possible by a grant from the Abilene Cultural Affairs Council and the Texas Commission on the Arts:

9 a.m.      Gates open -- Ballet Folklorico del Big Country, Plaza

10 a.m.    Abilene Zoo Day Opening Ceremonies

10 a.m.    Abilene Community Band in the Pavilion

11 a.m.    The Piano Man in the Plaza

Noon       Allan Teel Jazz Band in the Pavilion

1 p.m.      Key City Brass in the Plaza

2 p.m.      Fraid Knot, contemporary rock in the Pavilion

3 p.m.      Trombone Quartet in the Plaza

4 p.m.      Front Gates Close/Zoo closes at 5 p.m.