Day Trip: Hillcrest Zoo

Hillcrest Zoo in Clovis offers more than 500 animals including buffaloes, reptiles and a white Bengal tiger, according to zoo officials.

The zoo sits inside a 140-acre park, with plenty of activities to make for a day trip, according to Zoo Director Herschel Arnold.

“The zoo’s got primates. It’s got cats, got bears. A lot of people like the monkeys,” Arnold said.

The zoo also includes reptile and bird houses, and a giraffe, one of the more popular exhibits, according to Arnold.

The zoo acquired a white Bengal tiger named Sabre two years ago from a Las Vegas, Nev., show, according to the Curry County Chamber of Commerce.

Hillcrest Park also includes a sunken garden, playground and picnic areas, according to Arnold.

Hours of operation

l 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday year-round

l 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays during fall and winter

Admission

Adults: $3

Children ages 3 to 12: $2

Age 2 and under: free

Student and military discount.

Contacts

Hillcrest Zoo: 769-7873

How to get there

From Prince Street in Clovis, go east on U.S. 70/84. Turn left on Sycamore Street to Hillcrest Park & Zoo, located on the right.

— Compiled by Michael Harrell, Freedom Newspapesr