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"If zoos and the resources that we have did not exist there would be no hope for those animals."

"Should that wild population go out, our population is genetically viable to potentially replace an entire group of animals in the wild," he said. Dieter said the rare breed has less than 150 animals left in the wild. Last year, the facility was the first in the U.S. to breed Chinese alligators in the last two decades. "The work that is done in zoological organizations has been enormously influential on species survival," Dieter said. ON HOUSTONCHRONICLE.COM: Houston Zoo's new wetlands exhibit showcases Texas conservation success While some critics of zoos and zoo-like facilities may argue that animals should not be kept in captivity, Dieter argues that his facility mimics the animals' true habitat and also does more good than harm. "We can provide really good, long-term situation for them." "A lot of them are coming from zoos that just don't have space for them any more," Dieter said. Dieter said only a small number were rescued in special circumstances. The majority of the animals have been born at the facility or came from other zoological facilities. "When you're here, you're in the wilderness - that's exactly the feel we want you to get," Dieter said. You can also mingle with the facility's more friendly residents, such as the stoic large tortoises, by feeding them their favorite treats. The wildlife tours also consist of feeding sessions, where visitors can watch trained staff feed the alligators and crocodiles in a stunning show that will send chills up your spine.

"One of our primary goals is to get some of these really rare animals to reproduce and live well, and they have to realize they are not living on concrete." "So you're actually going to them, rather than us bringing the animal to you," Dieter said. PHOTOS: Celebrate Memorial Day weekend at this epic Houston area backyard water park Visitors are allowed to get up close and personal with some of the center's apex predators thanks to enclosed, 1-acre interactive exhibits consisting of winding boardwalks that travel through the animals' natural habitats. The 23-acre facility is home to at least 250 crocodiles and alligators as well a 200 or so other animals, including kangaroos, lemurs, antelopes, pigs, tortoises and more. Dieter describes the wildlife educational facility as a cross between a zoo and a nature center that promotes species survival for endangered animals.