Caldwell Zoo

The large animals - elephants, giraffes, a rhino, and big cats - are well represented in this zoo along with small primates, birds, fish, and reptiles. The animals have roomy enclosures and are well cared for. The landscaping is beautiful both in the enclosures and along the pathways. 

 

It was nap time for many of the animals when we visited.

But the giraffes were wide awake. This one is a bit too curious about what's on the other side of its enclosure. 

The zoo is on the small side but hilly so most wheelchair visitors will need assistance. Walkways are smooth concrete or wooden boardwalks. A few of the enclosures have railings that block an eye level view. 

We were directed to the lower parking lot. The pathway to the entrance goes up a fairly steep hill. Zoo 32.36978, -95.3233

 

North Carolina Zoo

The zoo layout is linear with parking lots at either end and two zones- North America and Africa - so if you are interested the animals in just one zone, park in the lot nearest. Total distance out and back is about five miles and most visitors walk one way then take the tram or bus back to their vehicle. Keep in mind that there are only three spots to get the tram or bus - at either end and at the mid point between the zones. The zoo is built on the side of a hill so most of the walkway is either uphill or downhill. There a connector trail that goes through the woods and appears to be fairly level.

The animals all seem to be well cared for. Most of the enclosures are roomy and the Grassland Reserve is huge. 

 

The pathways are paved and smooth but wheelchair users will need assistance due to the very hilly terrain. We walked/rolled both ways starting at the North American parking lot and it seemed like it was easier going than coming back. We may have just been tired but I think the uphill grade in North America is longer therefore gentler than the uphill grade in Africa. Taking the tram back is probably the best option. The connector trail looks too rough to be accessible. Most of the animals can be easily seen from a seated position but a few spots are problematic.

 Both parking lots have long bus/RV parking spaces. Zoo  35.62735, -79.76694

 

El Paso Zoo

In 2012, El Paso residents voted to fund improvements to city parks, libraries, museums, and the El Paso Zoo. All four areas of the zoo – Asia, Africa, the Americas, and the Chihuahuan Desert – were slated for updating. Most of the work has been completed and includes a rope climbing challenge, a simulated flash flood, and a large fabricated rock mountain that the lions can climb up and look down on the grassland animals.

 

   

The pathways are paved and flat plus the zoo is fairly small making it easy for visitors in wheelchairs. Some of the enclosures have railings that block the view but most have an alternative viewing area. I didn’t look closely but I believe the train and carousel are wheelchair accessible.

  The parking lot is large so RVs will fit if pulled through the spaces or parked across them. Zoo  31.76814, -106.44543

Nat'l Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium

The museum explores all aspects of life in and on the Mississippi from the headwaters to the Gulf of Mexico. Two large exhibit buildings – east and west - are connected by a walkway that parallels two outdoor exhibit areas – a boatyard and an aviary with raptors.  Aquariums in both buildings house fish and animals that live in and around the river. A complete 19th-century belt-driven machine shop and hands-on exhibits are in the west building. The east building has historical dioramas and Native American artifacts. Many exhibits highlight conservation, preservation, and restoration projects.

  A small wetlands and a huge dredge are also on the property. The dredge, the William M. Black, is a steam-propelled, sidewheel dustpan dredge that operated on the river from 1934 to 1973. It’s 277 feet long, and 85 feet wide at its widest point. Both decks and the pilot house are opened to tour.

   

  There’s a lot to see so plan on spending four or five hours at  least.

 The main museums are accessible. The walkway connecting the main museums is accessible. The boat shop, located along the walkway, is accessible.The boatyard is surfaced with loose gravel and is very difficult to push through even with assistance. The wetlands and the dredge can be accessed by the exit doors of the east building that are closest to the wetlands. The boardwalk in the wetlands is accessible. The boardwalk to the dredge is accessible but the ramp down to the boat is steep. The first deck has steep ramps for access. The second deck and pilot house are not accessible. Museum  42.49692, -90.66091