June 7 marks National Black Bear Day, a time to honor one of North America’s most iconic mammals. While wild black bear sightings in Texas are rare, several zoos across the state offer safe and educational opportunities to observe these animals. Here’s a guide to Texas zoos where you can experience black bears firsthand.
Fort Worth Zoo – Fort Worth, TX
Since 2001, the Fort Worth Zoo has been home to black bears. Notably, the zoo houses Cinnamon and Raisin, two cubs rescued from Montana who could not be reintroduced into the wild due to their comfort around humans. Visitors can find them in the Pineywoods & Swamps habitat, part of the Texas Wild! exhibit.
Address: 1989 Colonial Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76110
Website: fortworthzoo.org
Hours: Open daily, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Admission: Adults (13+): $16; Children (3–12): $12; Seniors (65+): $12; Children under 3: Free
Discounts: Half-price admission on Wednesdays
Social Media: Facebook, InstagramKids Activities Blog
Houston Zoo – Houston, TX
The Houston Zoo features the Hamill Foundation Black Bear Exhibit, home to Claud and Belle. Claud was brought to the zoo due to his comfort level with humans, posing a risk in his previous environment. Belle is also a resident black bear featured on the zoo’s social media platforms.caldwellzoo.org
Address: 6200 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030
Website: houstonzoo.org
Hours: Open daily, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (last entry at 4:00 p.m.)
Admission: Varies; online reservations required for non-members
Free Days: First Tuesday of each month (online reservations required)
Social Media: Facebook, InstagramHouston Zoo
Caldwell Zoo – Tyler, TX
Caldwell Zoo offers a unique Bear Encounter experience every Wednesday and Saturday at 2:00 p.m. from April through September. For $125 (up to four people, zoo admission not included), guests can meet black bears Timber and Tyler up close, observe a training session, and learn about bear care from expert keepers. Reservations are required.
Website: caldwellzoo.org
Hours: Open daily, 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (last ticket sold at 3:30 p.m.)
Admission: Adults (13–54): $19.99; Children (3–12): $14.99; Seniors (55+): $17.99; Children under 3: Free
Social Media: Facebook, Instagram
Safety Note: While black bear encounters in the wild are uncommon in Texas, it’s essential to know how to react if you do come across one. Experts advise against playing dead. Instead, remain calm, make yourself appear larger, and slowly back away without turning your back on the bear. Never approach or feed wild bears.
Celebrate National Black Bear Day by visiting one of these Texas zoos to learn more about these incredible animals and the conservation efforts in place to protect them
