zoos tropical birds. The zoo also has Bird Gardens which house other birds in its possession. Elm Creek Backyard Completed in 2009, this area houses species native to the Elm Creek area of Texas, including cougars, coyotes, porcupines, raccoons, bobcats, ringtails, armadillos, skunks, and river otters, as well as a some birds, fish, reptiles, and amphibians. Wetlands of the Americas An elevated boardwalk that lets visitors get a close look at animals that inhabit the wetlands exhibits at the zoo. The various wetlands exhibits are home to a variety of wetland dwellers including alligators, flamingos, waterfowl, and Attwater's prairie chicken. Nakuru Lagoon This $300,000 project opened in March 2018. As soon as guests walk through the gate, they'll see this new exhibit, which houses African birds: lesser flamingos and yellow-billed ducks. Other facilities The Adventure Center, which opened in 2007, is a complex that includes admissions, customer relations, and a gift shop, as well as administrative offices and classrooms that can hold up to 150 people. The future The current master plan, developed by Parkhill, a Texas-based Architecture and Engineering firm, created in 2022 includes four phases. The first three phases build out on 23 acres of undeveloped zoo property to the North of the current zoo. Cost of the new master plan has yet to be released. In summer 2022, a news story unveiled additional growth for the zoo. Adding newly acquired land adjacent to the undeveloped 23 acres. The newly added land totals 18 acres and the zoo announced plans to convert it into a native grassland habitat and wetland, featuring American bison and pronghorn antelope. Notes External links Zoos in Texas Buildings and structures in Abilene, Texas Tourist attractions in Taylor County, Texas Zoos established in 1966 1966 establishments in Texas