Friends of Ellen Trout Zoo

05/14/2026

New African Primate Exhibit Opening

The Ellen Trout Zoo is proud to announce the opening of a new habitat for African primates. Black and white ruffed lemurs from Madagascar and De Brazza’s monkeys from the riverine forests and wetlands of central Africa are now living in modern new homes that will allow them to behave much like their cousins in the wild. Zoo staff took great care in designing and building these new homes to ensure the monkeys are given the greatest opportunity for positive welfare.

This project marks the beginning of an extraordinary new chapter in the zoo’s history. The new primate habitats are the first phase of “Wilds of Africa”, the largest capital project the zoo has undertaken in more than 20 years. The zoo will soon begin construction on a project that will create new experiences for zoo guests and bring a new species to Lufkin.

These improvements will help the zoo to pursue its mission as together, we save wild animals and wild spaces.

The public opening for the primate habitats will be on May 15 at 9:30 am.

04/24/2026

We love that our organization started with such an amazing group of people and we’re thrilled that it continues to grow every year. ❤️

FOETZ came into existence at a time when admission to the zoo was free and there was no dedicated means of support for growth, maintenance, and development. As the zoo grew so did FOETZ. Small projects like the lion water fountain grew into large projects like the revolutionary Hippoquarium and African savanna. Currently, FOETZ is focused on funding for the new Wilds of Africa, an expansion that will offer visitors new opportunities to connect with animals from across one of the most remarkable continents on Earth. The expansion will include new and enhanced habitats for species including Nile crocodiles, giraffes, white rhinos, okapi, and more.

💙 Throwback to 1984 when the Junior League of Lufkin helped spark something truly lasting through the beginnings of Friends of Ellen Trout Zoo!

What started as one woman’s effort to help the zoo secure a walk-in freezer quickly became something much bigger. Suzanne Briscoe, serving as a docent through the Lufkin Service League (now the Junior League of Lufkin), brought together a group of passionate individuals—and that group became the foundation of what we now know as FOETZ.

✨ This is what happens when people come together with a heart to serve.

Small actions create big change—and sometimes, they create organizations that continue to impact our community for decades 💙

For 125 years, the Junior League Movement has been dedicated to creating meaningful impact. Through volunteer action, collaboration, and personal growth, we create lasting change—often in ways we never imagined at the start.

✨ Ready to leave your mark? Jump in and join us today!

🔗 www.juniorleagueoflufkin.org


The Junior League

04/04/2026

Another huge thank you to Chandler Mathis Zivley, our 2026 Zoo Brew Presenting Sponsor!

We'll see you tonight at The Grand!🧡

04/04/2026

A big thank you to our 2026 Zoo Brew Giraffe Sponsors! Their support helps make Zoo Brew possible, and we are incredibly grateful for their investment in the future of Ellen Trout Zoo.

04/03/2026

A big thank you to our 2026 Zoo Brew Hippopotamus Sponsors! Their support helps make Zoo Brew possible, and we are incredibly grateful for their investment in the future of Ellen Trout Zoo. 🧡

04/03/2026

A huge thank you to our 2026 Zoo Brew drink vendors: Ben E Keith, Faust Distributing, Kizz My Legacy Winery, Lufkin Coca-Cola, Maydelle Country Wines, Pineywoods Vineyard Winery, R&K Distributors, Rusty Axe Brewing Co., Stevenson Beer Distributing Co., and The Madhatter Distillery.

Zoo Brew would not be the same without the wonderful partners who help keep glasses full and guests smiling. We are so grateful for their support and for helping make this event such a special night. 🧡

04/02/2026

A huge thank you to our 2026 Zoo Brew White Rhino Sponsors, Higginbotham and Raymond James – Scott West.

We’re grateful for their support of Zoo Brew and the future of Ellen Trout Zoo. Their sponsorship helps make this event possible and supports the continued growth of the zoo, including projects connected to our Wilds of Africa expansion. 🧡

04/02/2026

Zoo Brew is moving to The Grand!

Due to rain, we are changing locations, but everything else remains the same. You can still expect the same great food and drinks, the same fabulous music, and the same amazing raffle and auction items. As always, our Education Animal Ambassadors will be on site.

We can’t wait to see everyone at The Grand for a great night in support of Ellen Trout Zoo! 🧡

04/02/2026

A huge thank you to Chandler Mathis Zivley, our 2026 Zoo Brew Presenting Sponsor!

Proceeds from the 2025 Zoo Brew helped complete the Center for Crocodilian Reproduction, a major behind-the-scenes conservation facility that benefits multiple endangered crocodilian species. This year’s proceeds will support the Wilds of Africa expansion, including a new okapi exhibit, enhancements to the African savanna area, and a larger Nile crocodile habitat. 🧡

04/01/2026

Rain or shine Zoo Brew is still happening and we've got an amazing lineup of food stations for the event! You don't want to miss it! 🧡