El Paso Zoo is a 35-acre zoo at 4001 E. Paisano in El Paso, Texas, with animals from Africa, the Americas, Asia and the Chihuahuan Desert. From Ciudad Juárez, plan for an international border crossing as part of the trip.
- Location: 4001 E. Paisano, El Paso, Texas 79905
- Hours: Open Wednesday to Sunday; closed Monday and Tuesday
- Admission: Prices vary by age and residency; babies 23 months and under enter free.
- Parking: Free at the zoo
What to expect at El Paso Zoo
El Paso Zoo organizes its animal areas around Africa, the Americas, Asia and the Chihuahuan Desert. The map also marks the El Paso Water Discovery Education Center, Reptile House and Wildlife Amphitheater, giving you several distinct areas to plan around.
The zoo’s range of regions makes it possible to move between habitats without leaving the grounds. The zoo says it is open year-round, rain or shine, although some animals may move behind the scenes during rain.
Tickets and admission planning
- Ticket
- purchase option
El Paso Zoo admission prices depend on age and residency, and the official plan-your-visit page offers a ticket-purchase option. Resident tickets cost $8.95 for children ages 2–12, $10.95 for teens ages 13–17, $13.95 for adults ages 18–59 and $10.95 for seniors 60 and older. Babies 23 months and under enter free.
Opening hours
- Wednesday to Sunday: 9:00–16:00
- Monday and Tuesday: closed
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
Nonresident admission is $10.95 for children ages 2–12, $12.95 for teens ages 13–17, $15.95 for adults ages 18–59 and $12.95 for seniors 60 and older. Active-duty military members and spouses with ID pay $10.95. Parking is free.
The official page does not state that advance reservations are required. Check the official site before you go, since admission prices and ticket details can change.
Hours, exhibits, and visit length
El Paso Zoo is open Monday through Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with last admission at 4:00 p.m. It closes on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. The zoo map identifies animal areas and visitor facilities, including restrooms, family restrooms, a nursing station, dining and snack locations, picnic areas and sensory quiet zones.
For an extra activity, the Hunt Family Endangered Species Carousel is open Wednesday through Sunday, 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. It costs $3 for nonmembers and $2.50 for members.
The Copper Canyon Challenge ropes course is open Wednesday through Sunday, 9:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.; its last ticket is sold 30 minutes before closing. Both schedules can change, so confirm details before making them part of your plan.
The Hunt Family Desert Spring is a warm-weather water-play area with dancing water, gushers, spray tunnels, tower sprays and pop-ups. Its seasonal use can help you decide what to bring, but the zoo does not have food or cooler storage facilities.
How do you get from Ciudad Juárez to El Paso Zoo?
Getting to El Paso Zoo from Ciudad Juárez requires crossing the international border. The Paso del Norte Bridge connects El Paso and Ciudad Juárez, but the zoo map does not give a zoo-specific route or travel time from the city.
El Paso Zoo is about a 21-minute drive from Istay Hotel Ciudad Juarez. For an overnight visit, see the hotel’s rooms. Allow time for the border crossing in your plans; the drive time alone does not account for it.
Once at the zoo, you can park for free. Check the official site before you go for current admission and operating details.
Accessibility and visitor rules
El Paso Zoo offers wheelchair rentals for $10 and electric convenience vehicles for $25. Single strollers rent for $8, while double strollers and wagons each cost $10. Return rented equipment to the gift-shop kiosk 30 minutes before closing.
The zoo’s sensory guidance describes designated quiet areas and headphone zones. After purchasing tickets, you can borrow a sensory bag from the Gift Shop or Hunt Family Endangered Species Carousel. The map also marks family restrooms, a nursing station and first aid/security.
You may bring food and drinks, but glass items, alcoholic beverages and lightweight single-use straws are prohibited. Pets are not allowed; certified service animals are permitted under the Americans with Disabilities Act. The zoo’s policy does not treat emotional-support or companion animals as service animals.
Stay outside animal exhibits and do not reach past exhibit barriers. Selfie sticks are allowed only when they do not extend beyond those barriers.
FAQs
What time is last admission at El Paso Zoo?
Last admission is at 4:00 p.m.; the zoo closes at 5:00 p.m.
Is El Paso Zoo open when it rains?
Open Wednesday to Sunday; closed Monday and Tuesday. The zoo says it is open rain or shine. Some animals may move to behind-the-scenes spaces during rain.
Can you bring food into El Paso Zoo?
Yes. Guests may bring food and drinks, but glass items, alcoholic beverages and lightweight single-use straws are prohibited. There is no food or cooler storage.
Are service animals allowed at El Paso Zoo?
Certified service animals are permitted under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Pets, emotional-support animals and companion animals are not allowed under the zoo’s stated policy.