You could have your own zoo!
ALVIN, TX (KTRK) -- If you ever wanted to buy a zoo, now is your chance.
Outside of Alvin, the Bayou Wildlife Zoo is for sale.
"Everybody who comes out here would like to see it continue. They get a kick out of coming out here and seeing it," said owner Clint Wolston.
Wolston purchased land for the zoo 37 years ago and built it up to the 80 acres it is today, with nearly 500 exotic animals from all over the world.
"You build something like this, you're proud of it," Wolston said.
Take a virtual tour of the Alvin Zoo
But at 80 years old, Wolston said it is time to retire.
"I'm just tired," said Wolston.
The zoo owner told ABC13 it's the only place of its kind in Texas. "Trams will take you right into the exhibits, where you can feed exotic animals that come right up to you."
Wolston admits he will miss the animals, especially his favorite -- a white rhino. As big as the rhino is, he named it "Pee Wee."
The animals are the children Wolston never had.
"Sure they are! I don't have any kids. I just get a kick out of having them," Wolston confided.
Visitors hope any sale of the zoo won't change it much.
"That's sort of scary. It's been here forever," said visitor Joyce Cox.
Whoever takes over, Wolston wants them to keep his legacy alive by sharing the wonder of nature, the beauty of all the creatures, and the ability for anyone to come see it all up close.
Wolston said he won't sell for less than $7 million.
The zoo comes complete with all the animals. Wolston calls that a good deal, given the revenue the facility can generate.
Last year Wolston said there were over 90,000 visitors.
