San Antonio Zoo is working on phase 1 of a long-term master plan to improve the zoo’s infrastructure, ADA accommodations, safety, and ease of use for all guests and park visitors. These plans include a completely reimagined, redesigned, and expanded zoo entry with immersive, interactive experiences worthy of a San Antonio celebration.
The new entrance will reflect the sights, sounds, and culture of San Antonio and will include art by local artists. San Antonio Zoo guests and visitors to Brackenridge Park will also experience improved pedestrian safety and traffic safety. Those improvements include a designated entrance for school groups, improved access for zoo visitors away from the street, and more accessibility for guests with disabilities.
Electronic ticketing kiosks will be added to the zoo parking garage and the Zoo’s Train Depot/Starbucks plaza to create more purchasing opportunities and reduce lines and waits.Other projects within the entry plaza include a renovation and repurposing of the historic monkey house and surrounding grounds.
This 1950s era building was once home to several species of primates but was closed in 2018 because it no longer met the standards of the zoo, which has been aggressively improving habitats zoo-wide in recent years. The remodeled building will be home to a restored plaza, café, stroller rental /sundry counter, and large, fully accessible restrooms with an adult changing table. The beautiful architecture and masonry will be a centerpiece of the new plaza .Continued support from the San Antonio community, donors, the city, and the county enable San Antonio Zoo to maintain and improve its reputation as a world-class zoo and conservation facility.
As a destination city, San Antonio will benefit from the beautification and continued elevation of San Antonio Zoo as a premier “must-see” experience for all who visit through its economic impact.” A complete redesign of the 1950’s era front entry area and general improvements to the 107-year-old city-owned property is needed to improve the facility and the comfort and safety of our guests,” said Tim Morrow, President & CEO of San Antonio Zoo.
“I would describe the state of our current entrance as outdated, uninspiring, and operationally challenging. We are looking to create an experience at our entrance that better represents our city, our zoo, and creates an exciting sense of arrival.” Partial funding for a new entry and much-needed infrastructure, accessibility, and safety improvements is currently represented in the city’s 2022 bond package.
The zoo is presently securing donations through its master plan capital campaign, “Generation Zoo.” Through this philanthropic effort, the zoo will match the bond funding with donations dollar for dollar. For anyone wanting to contribute to this project, please email our Development Team at Development@sazoo.org
About San Antonio Zoological Society
San Antonio Zoological Society was established in 1929 and is a nonprofit organization committed to securing a future for wildlife. The society operates San Antonio Zoo, Will Smith Zoo School, Edutainment, Center for Conservation and Research at San Antonio Zoo, and Kiddie Park.
Website – www.sazoo.org
About San Antonio Zoo
San Antonio Zoo®, operating since 1914, is a nonprofit zoological facility committed to securing a future for wildlife. Through its passion and expertise in animal care, conservation, and education, the zoo’s mission is to inspire its community to love, engage with, act for and protect animals and the places they live. The zoo welcomes more than a million visitors each year and is open year-round. San Antonio Zoo operates the largest nature based preschool in the country, Will Smith Zoo School, the Center for Conservation and Research, and Kiddie Park. San Antonio Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the Zoological Association of America, and Humane Certified by American Humane.
Website – www.sazoo.org
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