Troubadourable folk buddies Simon and Garfunkel once sang that "it's all happening at the zoo," before retiring from music to live out their days serenely basking in the reptile habitat. Get happening with today's Groupon: for $8, you get admission for two, plus two bags of feed, at the Austin Zoo and Animal Sanctuary (an $18 value). A nonprofit devoted to rehabilitating rescued animals, the Austin Zoo has opened its animal-friendly confines to more than 300 two, four, and no-legged guests spanning 100 different species. A former goat ranch, the facility remains small, eliminating larger crowds and allowing for an intimate view of the zoo’s animals and their hourly rendition of CATS. A wondrous wrigglebin for children, the on-grounds petting zoo allows patrons an opportunity to feed goats, deer, and llamas and pet the finger-friendly fur of domestic critters, which they can easily do with the included bags of feed ($1 value each). Plus, the friendly staff is always on hand to answer questions about the many mammals, birds, and amphibians and to share interesting facts about the zoo reptiles such as the Texas rat snake, albino corn snake, and snake snake.

With a constantly growing demand caused by roadside zoos and abandoned exotic pets, the Austin Zoo features an ever-revolving cast of new, recently rescued residents. In 2009 alone, the zoo welcomed more than 60 new guests, including lions, wolf-hybrids, and pygmy goats, giving them a safe home and saving them from a career in politics. Check out the zoo hours as well as a list of other ways you can help the heroic efforts, before nabbing today’s animal-friendly Groupon to the Austin Zoo.