The Abilene Zoological Gardens is a small 16-acre zoo located in Abilene, Texas. The zoo has over 1,000 animals representing over 250 species. Attendance for 2013 was 224,000. Abilene zoo has been an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) since 1985. The zoo participates in the AZA Reciprocal Admissions Program, allowing members to obtain free or reduced admissions at many other American zoos.