My fifth and final stop on my "Super Tuesday" trip was the Ellen Trout Zoo in Lufkin, Texas. With an entry fee of only $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and military, $4 for children 4-11, and free for children under 4, it's an inexpensive and fun day trip for families. The zoo boasts a wide range of animals, from big cats and giant snakes to tiny monkeys and colorful birds. The walkway is marked with footprints and plant prints, and the zoo is decorate with fountains, statues, and small pagodas. It even has a payphone.
While it was a beautiful day to have a walk, zoos are best on rainy and cool days. The animals were not excited about the heat and sun. The snow leopard, lions, raccoon, African porcupine, and bobcat were all asleep. The giraffe and wallaby were alert but resting. The hippos wallowed in their pond, and the rhino hid among the trees. Some animals were active despite the heat. The jaguar, caiman, emu, nene (Hawaiian goose) and De Brazza's monkey stood close to the barrier so I could take their picture. The hornbill, toucan, macaws, flamingoes, and river otters were also active.
If you love peacocks, this is the zoo for you. Everywhere I turned, I saw more peacocks! The birds were friendly and cleared the path whenever visitors went by, although they would occasionally squabble with each other.
As an added bonus, this zoo both a historical train and a model train! The large train was part of the Angelina County Lumber Company, while the little train is open to rides.
A second added bonus is the 1.1 miles of walking trails circling around a lake with alligator inhabitants, as several signs warn walkers. The small train shares a bridge with walkers.
The zoo was a relaxing end to a busy day. Being a small zoo, it was easy to navigate, and had plenty of available seating. While the train car is not fully accessibly, every other part of the zoo is, including the gift shop, the restrooms, and the snake house. Additionally, a membership to the zoo allows members to receive discounts to multiple other zoos through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums -- a worthwhile investment for a zoo fanatic.