Yum! Bug Fest is Back at the El Paso Zoo

Insects. Creepy-crawlies. Bugs.

Whichever way you refer to them, the El Paso Zoo will celebrate them at the return of Bug Fest. You and the kids can learn about bugs – and even eat some – during the festival of insects set for May 21-22.

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Bug Bites

Feeling a little famished and particularly adventurous? Go ahead and pop a crunchy bug delicacy or two in your mouth.

I’m told the zoo's executive chef is busy preparing scrumptious menu items like Grasshopper Fried Rice, Scorpion Tostadas, and Chocolate Cricket Chip Cookies. Yum?

Lions, Penguins, and Bugs

Bug Fest will also be a good time to get acquainted with Hodari, the new mane man at the El Paso Zoo. The male lion recently joined the zoo’s pride of African lionesses, Zari and Malaika.

You can also take a peek at the progress and evolution of the future Penguin enclosure.

The exhibit is being built in the Americas section of the zoo directly across from the Reptile House and Spider Monkey enclosure. The state of the art enclosure will be home to a colony of warm-weather Magellanic Penguins, and is expected to be completed in 2023.

Bug Fest

If it squirms, slithers, or buzzes chances are it will be at the El Paso Zoo’s Bug Fest, the biggest bug bash of the year. Live entertainment, arts and crafts, games, inflatables, delightful decorations, and the first-ever Bug Bistro Cook-Off will be part of the fun.

And if you're not too squeamish, you'll also have the opportunity to get an up-close look at a massive collection of exotic insects and arachnids.

Save the dates: Saturday and Sunday, May 21-22, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Bug Fest is free with regular zoo admission.