Caldwell Zoo, Inc

It all started back in 1953, when DK and Lottie Caldwell decided to turn their love for nature into a gift for the youth of Tyler. What began as a small "Children’s Zoo" with bunnies and ducklings has grown over seventy years into a sprawling 85-acre home for more than 3,000 animals. It’s been a true family labor of love, passed down through generations, driven by the simple belief that the best way to learn about the world is to have fun doing it. Today, the zoo isn't just a local treasure– it’s a leader in global conservation, working to protect endangered species while staying true to its roots as a place where the East Texas community can connect with the wild.