Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo — Attraction in New Braunfels

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Truly Immersive Animal Experience — Perfect for All Ages

The Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo in New Braunfels is a hidden gem that delivers far more than what the name implies. While it began its legacy with reptiles, today it stands as a full-fledged zoological experience where guests can get up close with an impressive variety of animals — and in many cases, personally engage with them one-on-one.

From the moment you enter, you’re greeted by a well-organized and clean environment. Inside the reptile house, the collection is outstanding — including anacondas, pythons, cobras, rattlesnakes, and rare species like the Gaboon viper and bush viper. Each enclosure is clearly labeled and designed for excellent visibility. If you’re a reptile enthusiast or curious learner, you can move slowly through the exhibits and pause at each tank to truly appreciate the unique traits of every individual species.

Once you step outside, the real adventure begins. Unlike most large zoos where animals are often far off in the distance, this facility allows guests to get close to every single outdoor animal. You don’t just see lions — you hear their roars and feel their presence as they lounge or move through their habitat. Hyenas, often elusive in other parks, are easily viewable and active. You’ll pass gray wolves, mountain lions, and lemurs, each with outdoor enclosures designed for open viewing while still ensuring the animals’ well-being.

One of the biggest highlights of the zoo is the interactive animal feeding experience. For just a few dollars, you can purchase a feed cup and walk over to the goat and deer area, where animals eagerly greet you at the fence line. Kids especially love this, but it’s a simple joy that appeals to all ages. Each goat is different — some are playful, others are shy — but the fact that you can personally connect with each animal one by one makes the visit so memorable.

The tortoises are massive and easy to see up close, slowly wandering through their sunlit enclosures. Capuchin monkeys swing and play, and parrots and macaws greet you with vibrant colors and (occasionally) a few funny sounds. There’s even a sloth, usually resting peacefully but fully visible — a rare treat for most zoo visitors.

The zoo also features scheduled animal encounters where guests are invited to touch and learn about specific animals — such as lizards, snakes, or even a tarantula — and ask questions directly to the handlers. These presentations focus on one animal at a time, ensuring every visitor has a personal and educational moment with the animal in question.

From an operations standpoint, the zoo is incredibly guest-friendly. It’s easy to walk, family-oriented, and offers shade, fans, and resting areas throughout. The staff is approachable and well-trained, and it’s evident that every enclosure is cleaned and cared for with attention to detail. Plus, being right off I‑35 (and minutes from the legendary Buc-ee’s) makes it an ideal and convenient stop for travelers.

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Final thoughts: This is not just a place to walk past animals — it’s a place where you can engage with them, connect with them, and truly appreciate them one by one. Whether you’re feeding a goat, watching a lion nap, or learning about venomous snakes from a trained expert, every encounter feels personal and purposeful. I highly recommend this experience to families, animal lovers, and anyone passing through...

Reserved the day to experience all of the animal encounters for my 69th birthday. What an awesome adventure! Every aspect of this facility reflects a dedication to caring for both the animals and guests. I'm a handicapped veteran. The facilities were easy to navigate and experience. Each animal encounter was professionally supervised, mixing education with an opportunity to fall in love. There is no choosing a favorite. The ever popular capybara are the sweetest, most docile joys. Ruby (corn snake) settles and glides through your hands, assured in her beauty. She is mesmerizing. Hercule's (boa) weight is nothing compared to his personality. He knows he's a star. Shy Cinnamon (lemur) is indeed a beauty. Flapjack (Pancake turtle) was courteous and didn't pee on me. I think he studied me as much as I did him. He is one curious turtle. And Tillie (lemur)! Oh, my! She is a delightful, furry experience. She's in it for the laughter for sure. I know I've left a name or so out, but we ended with Joe (Fennec Fox)(my late husband's name). I think we interrupted his nap. He gave a soft whimper and immediately fell asleep on my shoulder. At this point, you pledge never to move and disturb his trusting slumber. I learned so much. My daughter captured every moment on camera. The ever-present hens and roosters out shined the peacocks in a kaleidoscope of color. After the encounters, I had time to appreciate the bigger animals and the beautiful reptile enclosures inside. The staff welcomes questions. My daughter captured the names of all the two-legged hosts, and I apologize for not having them here. Elise, your team is outstanding in every way. I will never...

As a zoology student who has visited many accredited zoos, aquariums, and conservation sanctuaries, I was genuinely excited to visit this place. Emphasis on was. As soon as we arrived, we discovered mislabeled animals such as the "Komodo Dragon," animals in distress due to wild children, and staff unwilling to step in to assist and stop the continued distress. I had to approach multiple staff workers multiple times about children grasping at baby chicks through cage wires and pulling them out to run around with and my partner had to confront someone who was visibly drunk and had kicked a chicken. This doesn't even touch on the tiny enclosures for the larger animals that are lacking in perches, things to climb, and just general enrichment. I had to leave because I felt like I was going to end up doing the job an employee should have been doing, which was advocating for the poor animals forced to live there. I'll be calling the ZAA to request that they perform some kind of site visit soon because that was simply appalling.

I'm just editing this real quick since someone actually had the nerve to reply. Learn to read. I approached multiple workers numerous times as stated above, oh but sure, I'll do that next time, right? I'm educated perfectly fine and well, considering i can easily visualize where this place desperately needs to improve, especially apparently in its reading and listening department. Regarding the Komodo Dragon, though.. all I have to say is that it is quite small unless...