Enjoy a Backstage Safari at the Dallas Zoo

For a unique adventure, enjoy a Backstage Safari at the Dallas Zoo near our Irving apartments. The zoologists will take you on a guided 90-minute tour and share fascinating facts along the way. Here are a few of the animals you'll get to see up-close during the safari:

African Elephant

Known as gentle giants, African elephants once roamed all of Africa. Today, they're limited to conservation areas and the savanna. These elephants weigh between 5,000 and 14,000 pounds. They eat four to seven percent of their body weight daily and feast on herbs, fruit, grass, and plants. During the Backstage Safari at the Dallas Zoo, you will feed apples to these majestic creatures.

Hippopotamus

Also known as river horses, hippos are the heaviest land animals after elephants. They weigh up to 8,000 pounds and consume fallen fruit and short, soft grasses. Hippos live in Africa's slow-moving lakes and rivers. They can hold their breath for five minutes or more while submerged, and a clear membrane covers their eyes for protection. The safari will take you behind the scenes to participate in a training session with the zoo's resident hippos.

Southern Ground Hornbill

Found only in Africa, southern ground hornbills walk or run among thin blades of grass. While they can fly, they spend much of their time on the ground. These birds sometimes use their pick-like beaks to subdue prey and often feast on small vertebrates and larger insects. You will see the southern ground hornbills during a private Wild Encounters show. At times, the animals change, and you may see tortoises, tamanduas, and other creatures instead.

After enjoying the safari, sample some of the tastiest meatball dishes at a nearby restaurant. If you’re interested in living close to Irving’s best attractions, please contact us for a tour of Olympus Las Colinas.