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The sun shown brightly as onlookers shuffled through the entrance.
Kids being pulled along in wagons by their parents, carried bottles of water and snacked on chips and bananas.
The air was thick, hot and was made even hotter by the reflection the walking path gave from the sun.
Off in the distance, a screeching monkey sounds off like an alarm.
A domino effect ensues as birds start flapping frantically around their cages, and children grab hold of parents' pant legs in fear.
The San Antonio Zoo is filled with foreign sounds and animals people rarely get the chance to see up close.
It's just another day at the zoo with the flamingos drinking water and trying to keep cool.
The lions sleep on rocks as children run up to the railings and point, "the lions, dad; look at the lions!"
"I brought my kids because they have been stuck inside all summer watching Animal Planet, and I wanted them to get the chance to see some real zebras and lions," Robert Gomez, a San Antonio resident, said.
The zoo has many things to offer including a new Africa Live! exhibit.
The feature displays animals typically found in Africa like zebras, hippos and giraffes.
Kids faces are pushed against the glass as they stare in amazement at the size of some of the submerged hippos asleep.
It quickly grows quiet as one of the hippos starts moving. Onlookers wait in anticipation to see what it is about to do ... he lies back down and falls asleep.
Toad Alley is another popular feature at the zoo.
Various colorful frogs and toads are on display and seem to be a big hit with the little ones.
"I like the ones that stick to the glass," said 6-year-old Jason Gomez. I want to take one home, but I don't want to lose it."
Kangaroos graze in the shade, doing as little as possible to stay cool during this hot summer day.
"I guess it's like a dream seeing all these animals that belong somewhere far away right in front of you," Gomez said. "The only difference is that we are protected and can look at them from a safe distance."
A summer camp also is available for kids from kindergarten to eighth grade.
The weeklong program gives kids the chance to explore wildlife and learn about nature.
Things kids can learn include how and why animals are able to live on very little water, the effect global warming has on animals and nature and why animals have different behavioral habits.
The zoo is open 365 days a year during rain or snow.
"Year -round most animals are crepuscular- active at dawn and dusk," replied Debbie Rios-Vanskike, marketing and public relations for the zoo, said in an e-mail.
She said the busiest time of year is in March.
Adult admission is $9 and children younger than 2 are given free admittance.
Children ages 3 to 11 and seniors over the age of 62 pay $7. Parking is free.
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