Up Close and Personal with Predators

The Fort Worth Zoo’s Board of Directors and Executive Director are thrilled to introduce the Zoo’s newest adventure, Predators of Asia & Africa. Opened on June 22, the third phase of A Wilder Vision highlights some of the most dramatic and skilled hunters of the animal kingdom.

“After raising the full $130 million in private funds and opening phase one African Savanna and phase two Elephant Springs, we are elated to have completed phase three and welcome our beloved carnivores back to Fort Worth,” said Ramona Bass, chair of the Fort Worth Zoological Association Board of Directors. “I must thank the citizens of this community, who continue to be so generous in their support of the Zoo. None of this would be possible without them … three phases down, one more to go!”

Photo courtesy of the Fort Worth Zoo

Nearly a decade ago, the Zoo began planning for A Wilder Vision, its master plan that guarantees for generations the survival of certain species that may in our lifetime become extinct in the wild. “We can’t wait to reunite guests here at the Zoo with these magnificent apex predators that are so crucial to ecosystems across the globe,” said Zoo Executive Director Michael Fouraker.

This new habitat features many exciting new elements:

• Cascading waterfalls, lush grass, trees and rock structures form enriching, naturalistic spaces for the Zoo’s carnivores of Asia and Africa, often separating guests by only a pane of glass.
• Upon entering the Zoo and standing on the main path, guests will be greeted by our pride of African lions in their beautiful and enhanced new home. Guests can also observe the pride from above at the top of the waterfall flowing through the entire Predators complex.
• Guests will continue their journey into Asia to meet a species new to the Zoo: the elusive clouded leopard. Following the winding, shaded walk, guests will discover the critically endangered Sumatran tiger and get up close and personal with the intriguing striped hyena.
• Upon crossing into Africa on the upper path, guests encounter the cheetah, the fastest land mammal on earth. These animals return to the Zoo in an enriching and newly expanded habitat. Beyond the grotto, a pack of African painted dogs also rejoin us. Last but not least, the Zoo welcomes African leopards for the first time in its 114-year history. Don’t miss the playful, young sibling duo that now live here at the Zoo.
• Multiple aviaries will house several exotic bird species, including the red-crowned crane, Satyr tragopan, African pygmy falcon and more.
• Enjoy a new snack stand in the heart of Africa, as well as a merchandise cart and brand-new restrooms.
• Most importantly, complete with educational programming such as keeper chats, Predators of Asia & Africa will share the critical messages of conservation and environmental stewardship.

Photo courtesy of the Fort Worth Zoo

The fourth phase of A Wilder Vision will be Forests & Jungles of the World, to be built in the very heart of the Zoo. This habitat will have Zoo guests winding through tree-lined trails surrounded by animals native to some of the world’s lushest forests and jungles. The jaguars and Sumatran orangutans will join okapi, bongo, giant otters and much, much more.