Our vision is securing a future for wildlife. A non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
Annual report
2025
San Antonio Zoo
mission, history, and vision
vision
Securing a future for wildlife.
mission Inspire people to love, engage with, act for, and protect animals and the places they live through sharing our passion for animal care, education, and conservation.
GLOBAL IMPACT Supports Wildlife Conservation on
6
Continents supported more than
273
conservation projects Over
700 different species
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Table of contents
Mission, History, and Vision........................................................page 2 Letter from the CEO.........................................................................page 4 Board of Directors.............................................................................page 6 Social Media Highlights.................................................................page 7 Year-End Financials..........................................................................page 8 Economic Impact................................................................................page 10 Awards and Accolades.....................................................................page 13 New at the Zoo.....................................................................................page 14 Conservation........................................................................................page 20
Happenings..........................................................................................page 23 Education..............................................................................................page 31 Donors.....................................................................................................page 33 sazoo.org
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Letter from the CEO Dear Friends and Supporters,
2025 was a record-breaking year for San Antonio Zoo—one of the most extraordinary in our 111-year history as we welcomed nearly 1.2 million visitors —and I am incredibly proud of what we accomplished together. Thanks to your support, we advanced conservation, strengthened animal care, bolstered our educational impact, and expanded the ways our community connects with wildlife. We celebrated the opening of The Ralston, our premier event destination offering unprecedented views of the city skyline, Congo Falls, and Big Cat Valley. Whether hosting galas, fundraisers, weddings, or corporate gatherings, this extraordinary space elevates every celebration while directly supporting our mission. The most defining zoological achievement of 2025 was the opening of Congo Falls, a two-acre, immersive habitat now home to seven western lowland gorillas, a critically endangered species. Featuring three expansive habitats, overhead pathways, elevated viewpoints, and 360-degree viewing, Congo Falls reimagines how guests and gorillas share space. Signature elements include Will Smith Foundation Infinity Falls, a dramatic 30-foot waterfall with interactive water-play areas, and Mays Family Silverback Peak, the world’s tallest gorilla tower, rising more than 70 feet above the zoo with sweeping views of downtown San Antonio. Congo Falls represents the future of San Antonio Zoo—and what’s possible when passionate people come together for wildlife. Beyond these exciting additions, 2025 also brought meaningful moments in animal care and conservation across San Antonio Zoo. We welcomed Kicheko, a young giraffe who joined the herd at Naylor Savanna, and introduced our newest mascot, Savanna, symbolizing our long-term commitment to giraffe conservation. We also celebrated meaningful conservation wins, including the birth of Adore, a critically endangered cotton-top tamarin. Our teams achieved rare successes as well, from breeding three Congo peafowl to supporting endangered species work in herpetology through the births of Mexican montane rattlesnakes. From everyday moments to unforgettable getaways, our guests found more ways than ever to connect with San Antonio Zoo in 2025. Over 152,115 train riders enjoyed trips around historic Brackenridge Park, and Spekboom Lodge welcomed 402 guests from around the world — extending our mission beyond San Antonio and creating another meaningful way for supporters to engage with wildlife conservation.
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Letter Letter from from the the CEO CEO Community engagement and education also continued to grow. The 43rd Annual Zoobilation Ball, Congo Nights, raised more than $2 million for the fourth consecutive year, fueling our mission to L.E.A.P. for wildlife. We also launched our first podcast, Edge of the Earth: Tales of Conservation, connecting our work to global conservation stories. We welcomed more than 123,000 students through school group field trips—68% from Title I schools—with donor support helping cover visits for students who otherwise would not have access to the zoo. In addition, we expanded early childhood education through a groundbreaking public-private partnership between Will Smith Zoo School and Seguin ISD, the first of its kind in Texas, bringing tuition-free, naturebased learning to families and transforming outdoor spaces into immersive classrooms where curiosity leads the curriculum. At the Will Smith Zoo School campus, we also piloted our first-ever kindergarten class. Our progress in 2025 did not go unnoticed, and we were proud to be recognized on a national stage. San Antonio Zoo climbed to #2 in Newsweek’s Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Zoo in the Nation and was named one of Condé Nast Traveler’s Top 10 Zoos in the Nation. The zoo was also recognized among USA TODAY’s Top 10 Zoo Experiences and Top 10 Zoo Memberships, while Zoo Lights was ranked #4 Best Zoo Lights in the nation. We were further honored to receive the AZA Half-Century Award, marking 50 consecutive years of accreditation, and our aquarium team earned the ZAA Ex Situ Conservation Award for their groundbreaking work on the Conchos Pupfish Recovery Project. None of this would be possible without the extraordinary commitment of our donors. As one of the few accredited zoos in the nation that operates without governmental subsidies, guest visitation and philanthropic support are foundational to everything we do. Your generosity fuels conservation, education, and unforgettable experiences —and I am deeply grateful for your partnership. As we move into 2026, thank you for believing in San Antonio Zoo and helping us build a future where wildlife and people thrive—now and for generations to come.
Tim Morrow
President & CEO sazoo.org
Scan the QR Code to check out our end of year video
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Board of Directors directors eXECUTIVE cOMMITTEE William A. Freed, Chairman John Nau III, 1st V.P. Maryanne Guido, 2nd V.P. Sara Stumberg Walker, Treasurer Susan Naylor, Secretary Mary R. Barrett Camille L. Denton Brandon E. Grossman Wilbur Matthews II Jayme Russell
Board of Directors Eric Abati Sheila C. Barrett Victoria Beavers Susan Beldon Valerie Collins Ann Allen Cross, DVM, MS Tom Cury Kelly S. Daniell Louis R. DiSabato** Joey DiSabato Denise Elliott Alexis Elliott-Stabler KJ Feder Tracee Feik Homer Garcia Drew Greller, VMD, DACVO Valerie Guenther*
Cosmo M. Guido Annita Hereford-Crump Justin Hill George S. “Timo” Hixon Laura Berg Hodge James Hollis Andrea Holmes Garcia Meredith Howard Mark M. Johnson Kathleen R. Kennedy Clayton Killinger Lisa Lannon Roby Latimer Jane H. Macon Ryan Malitz William T. Maloy J. Stephen McCusker** Michael McLaughlin
Robert Miggins Ashwin Nathan Kay Kay O’Brien Tony Parker Enzo Pellegrino Ashley Quintanilla Cameron Ryan Redding Allison K. Reyes Boese Kelly A. Russell Jim Satel Carol Severyn John Sun Tarah Sykes Thomas C. Thill Robert P. Thomas, MD Jon Turner Alice B. Viroslav, MD Edwin “Eli” J. Whitney
*Directors Emeriti **Executive Directors Emeriti
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Social social Media media highlights highlights +1 MILLION
39.6 MILLION
Followers gained across all platforms
in engagement*
1.1 bILLION Video Views*
$130 Million Earned media*
9.4 bILLION
Estimated impressions
Gorilla Grams San Antonio Zoo’s Gorilla Grams give guests a behind-thescenes look at the return of gorillas, sharing sneak peeks of their habitats, daily care, and natural behaviors while highlighting the team dedicated to their wellbeing.
Scan this QR Code to watch Gorilla Grams on YouTube!
Scan the QR code to check out the zoo’s most viewed video of 2025 with over 202 Million views! *across all platforms
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Year-End Financials CONTRIBUTIONS ADMISSIONS
6%
4%
SPECIAL EVENTS
3%
7%
RIDES
34%
6%
EDUCATION FOOD & BEVERAGE RETAIL & CONCESSIONS
41%
REVENUE Contributions Admissions Special Events Rides Education Food & Beverage Retail & Concessions
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$ 19,026,046.00 $ 22,977,179.00 $ 3,079,492.00 $ 3,717,371.00 $ 3,075,243.00 $ 2,041,120.00 $ 1,459,083.00
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Year-End Financials GENERAL & ADMINISTRATIVE OPERATIONS
16%
MARKETING
10%
FUNDRAISING EDUCATION ANIMAL CARE
16%
36%
10%
DEPRECIATION
6% 7%
Expenses General & Administrative Operations Marketing Fundraising Education Animal Care Depreciation
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$ 4,576,786.31 $ 15,999,476.15 $ 3,133,791.88 $ 2,278,485.72 $ 4,707,626.45 $ 7,198,424.82 $ 7,000,000.00
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economic Economicimpact Impact2025 2025 “Measuring and sharing San Antonio Zoo’s economic impact gives us the opportunity to provide a full picture of the contributions we make for our community, not only supporting global wildlife conservation initiatives but also in providing hundreds of jobs locally and enabling millions of dollars in local spending.”
—tim morrow, President & CEO
$283 MILLION impact in revenue and sales in the community
Supports
MORE THAN
1.18 economic 957 impact san antonio zoo’s
MILLION
visitors in 2025
to the community
jobs
in the community
established
open year round operating calendar offers wide accessibility
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1914 Operated by San Antonio Zoological Society, a private 501(c)(3)
non-profit
693,225
room nights
generated by tourists
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economic Economicimpact Impact2025 2025 jobs and salaries
525
432
$16,056,713
$14,367,547
direct workers
salaries
indirect and induced jobs
salaries
jobs supported by the zoo result in sales for local businesses The zoo supported an estimated 957 jobs in the community in 2025. The spending of these workers amounted to the following sales in local businesses.
$30,424,260
workers’ salaries
80%
of income spent in local businesses
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$24,339,408 total spending
26%
spent on taxable purchases
$6,328,246
taxable spending by workers
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economic Economicimpact Impact2025 2025 2025 attendance generated by the zoo
1,185,000
$20.5 million taxable sales
average lodging nights
355,500
$200
$69.3 million
visitors
out-of-town visitors
visitor daily spending
3
lodging sales
$207.9 million total local retail & room sales 2025 revenues in the san antonio area supported by the zoo During 2025, the zoo generated $283 million in revenues for San Antonio area businesses. This figure on a local level is equivalent to the nation’s gross domestic product.
$30.4 million
total workers’ salaries
$29.2 million
sales by businesses in the community to the zoo
$138.6 million
sales in businesses in the community by out-of-town visitors
462,150
$6.32 million
sales in businesses in the community to direct and indirect workers
room nights generated by tourists
$283 million total economic impact 12
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economic 2025 Awards &impact Accolades 2025 #2 zoo in the u.s. Newsweek
top 10 zoo in u.s.
Condé Nast Traveler
2024 #3 zoo in the u.s. Newsweek
Best zoo in texas
Texas Travel Awards
top 10 Best Zoo membership USA Today
top 10 Best Zoo experiences Flamingo Mingle
USA Today
Best Zoo Lights in texas USA Today
2023
Top 10 zoo in the nation Attractions of America
Best zoo in texas
Texas Travel Awards
Best Family Attraction San Antonio Current
Notable Awards #1 Tourist Attraction MySA
Best nonprofit Animal Care Services San Antonio Business Journal
Best Zoo Lights in texas USA TODAY
Best place to support conservation SA Magazine
Ex situ conservation Award Conchos pupfish recovery project
ZAA
Half century award AZA
Education award innovation - Dungeons & Dragons game night AZA
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economic New At Awards &impact Accolades zoo 2025 at the
Congo Falls Brings Gorillas Back to San Antonio Zoo For the first time in more than three decades, San Antonio Zoo welcomed gorillas back with the debut of Congo Falls, a two-acre, world-class habitat. This landmark addition represents a defining moment in the zoo’s 111-year history and signals a new era of innovative habitat design, conservation leadership, education, and exceptional animal care. Congo Falls is home to seven western lowland gorillas living across three immersive environments featuring lush landscaping, water elements, enrichment spaces, and expansive viewing areas. Signature features include The Mays Family Silverback Peak, the tallest gorilla tower in the world at more than 70 feet, and a thoughtfully designed layout that provides 360-degree views for both guests and gorillas, creating a truly immersive experience. Congo Falls embodies San Antonio Zoo’s deep commitment to global conservation through participation in the AZA Species Survival Plan and SAFE program, as well as partnerships with organizations like GRACE and the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. Together, these efforts help ensure sustainable gorilla populations, protect critical habitats, and strengthen the future of one of the world’s most endangered species.
congo Falls vip night
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San Antonio Zoo celebrated the opening of Congo Falls with an exclusive VIP evening highlighted by a breathtaking 15-minute drone show. Four hundred illuminated drones filled the night sky in custom formations honoring western lowland gorillas and the zoo’s conservation mission.
Scan the Qr code to watch a recap of congo falls grand opening!
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economic New At Awards at the &impact Accolades zoo 2025
San Antonio Zoo celebrated the grand opening of The Ralston, a premier event venue designed to host up to 500 guests, based on final layout and logistics, with indoor and outdoor space available. The venue features captivating wildlife and skyline views, customizable lighting, a covered patio and adjacent courtyard, and exclusive access to the Greg Kowalski Family Courtyard. Named in honor of Laurie Ralston, the space was made possible by philanthropist Shannon Ralston’s $10 million gift, the largest in the zoo’s history.
Scan the Qr code to watch a recap of The Ralston ribbon cutting event!
Butterflies first flight In 2025, San Antonio Zoo introduced Butterfly’s First Flight in the John and Greli Less Butterfly Rainforest. Guests can release a newly emerged butterfly into its rainforest home and witness its first flight while learning about the vital role butterflies play in pollination and ecosystem health, inspiring support for conservation.
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economic New At Awards at the &impact Accolades zoo 2025 San Antonio Zoo opens new conserfari Tours Conserfari Tours invites guests to explore one of the zoo’s largest habitats through a one-of-a-kind safari experience across the Naylor Savanna. Home to some of Africa’s most iconic species, including giraffes, zebras, and sitatungas, the expansive landscape set the stage for an unforgettable journey. Guests can travel in custom-outfitted Toyota Tundras, donated by North Park Toyota and outfitted by South Texas Outfitters, offering an up-close look at wildlife while learning about the zoo’s ongoing commitment to conservation.
ZOOBAND, AN ALL-NEW WAY FOR MEMBERS TO LEVEL UP THEIR ZOO EXPERIENCE San Antonio Zoo introduced the ZooBand, a free membership perk that makes visits faster and more connected. The wearable band stores membership information for quick admission, enables cashless purchases, allows members to purchase and redeem Animal Encounters, access exclusive perks, and set spending limits for kids, streamlining family visits with a simple tap.
Scan the QR code to watch a video all about ZooBand! 16
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economic New At Awards at the &impact Accolades zoo 2025 Wild Bites - A Carnivorous Encounter In July 2025, San Antonio Zoo launched WILD BITES: A Carnivorous Encounter, letting guests watch hyenas, lions, Komodo dragons, and tigers display natural behaviors during non-live feedings, while supporting their enrichment and wellbeing.
Meet Savanna: San Antonio Zoo’s New Ambassador for Giraffe Conservation San Antonio Zoo introduced Savanna the Giraffe, a new mascot created to represent the zoo’s commitment to wildlife conservation. Savanna serves as a fun and engaging ambassador, raising awareness about the global giraffe crisis and supporting the zoo’s efforts with the Giraffe Conservation Foundation to protect giraffes and their habitats.
New Capybara Behind-the-scenes San Antonio Zoo launched Behind the Scenes: Capybara, a new experience that brings guests up close with resident capybaras Ralphie and Fauna. Visitors can feed these charismatic animals while learning about their behaviors and their role in South America’s wetlands.
Scan the QR code to watch a video of the Capybara Behind-the-scenes sazoo.org
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economic New At Awards at the &impact Accolades zoo 2025 celebrated the hatching of a rare pygmy falcon One of the tiniest bird predators with the biggest personalities made a big impact at San Antonio Zoo in 2025, as six pygmy falcon chicks hatched to parents Squiggy and Laverne. These births brought the zoo’s total to 20 pygmy falcons hatched in its history, marking another major milestone made possible by the dedicated care of the aviculture team and the zoo’s continued commitment to conservation. According to Species360, these are the first pygmy falcon chicks to hatch in a U.S. zoo in the past year and the first at San Antonio Zoo since 2004.
Births/Hatches
The birth of these newborn animals represents a significant conservation victory and offers hope for preserving their species for future generations.
African pygmy falcon American flamingo Anthony's poison arrow frog Axolotl Baby-eater cichlid Black-spotted newt Blue-headed wood-dove Bruce's green pigeon Central plateau dusky rattlesnake Central plateau pygmy rattlesnake Charco Palma pupfish Chestnut teal Chilean flamingo Coconut lorikeet Conchos pupfish Congo peafowl Cotton-top tamarin Degeni cichlid Eastern pilbara spiny-tailed skink Emerald starling
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Hadada ibis Henkel's leaf-tailed gecko Freckled duck Golden-breasted starling Inca tern Iranian newt La Palma pupfish Lady Ross' turaco Lake Tarantsy cichlid Laughing kookaburra Laysan duck Madagascar hissing cockroach Magpie goose Mindanao bleeding-heart dove Mission golden-eyed tree frog Namaqua dove Nicobar pigeon Palm cockatoo Pot-bellied seahorse Red bird-of-paradise Red-crested pochard Rio Cauca caecilian Salado salamander
Scaly-breasted lorikeet Solomon Island spiny monitor Southern screamer Southwestern speckled rattlesnake Spotted platyfish Swordtail Tamaulipan rock rattlesnake Tambourine dove Texas horned lizard Victoria crowned pigeon White-faced whistling duck Yunnan Mountain rat snake Zebra dove
Congo Peafowl
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economic New At Awards at the &impact Accolades zoo 2025 NEW 1-YEAR-OLD GIRAFFE JOINS THE HERD San Antonio Zoo welcomed Kicheko, a 14-month-old male giraffe, to the Naylor Savanna, where he joined Waffles and Brayden. Born at Dallas Zoo, Kicheko’s name means “laughter” in Swahili, a fitting nod to the joy he brings with his calm and curious nature. His arrival, part of the AZA Species Survival Plan, supported giraffe conservation while giving guests new opportunities to connect with the herd through experiences like giraffe feeding, Conserfari Tours, and overnight stays at Spekboom Lodge.
Arrivals African pygmy falcon American avocet American tube-dwelling anemone Bat-eared fox Black-casqued hornbill Bladdertipped anemone Blue baboon tarantula Blue green chromis Blue-throated macaw Bristletail filefish Brown tarantula Burrowing owl Calvus cichlid Caribbean giant cockroach Carpet viper Chocolate chip sea star Chuckwalla Cockatoo dwarf cichlid Common ostrich Congo tetra Convict surgeon Curl-crested aracari Curlyhair tarantula Delaware County cave crayfish Elegant shrimp Elephant skin coral Elephantnose fish
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Emerald dwarf danio Emu European long-nosed viper F cichlid Fairy basslet Fairy bluebird Fantastic leaf-tailed gecko Forktail blueeye Freshwater angelfish Frog-eyed sand gecko Galah Georgia blind salamander Giant Caribbean anemone Giant horned lizard Greater flamingo Green keel-bellied lizard Green mantella Green pincushion urchin Green reef crab Green-naped pheasant-pigeon Hadada ibis Hairy decorator crab Helmeted guineafowl Hillstream butterfly loach Horn coral Jamaican boa Knobby candelabrum Komodo dragon
Lake Malawi cichlid Lemonpeel angelfish Lightfoot snail Long-tailed chinchilla Madagascar tree boa Malawi eye-biter Marabou stork Montipora coral Neon day gecko Nine-banded armadillo Northern helmeted curassow Northern tree shrew Pink flasher wrasse Pink-backed pelican Pinktail chalceus Puerto Rican crested toad Red cornsnake Red kangaroo Redbelly Toad Red-knobbed pigeon Redlined cleaner shrimp Reticulated giraffe Rusty cichlid Sea hare Sharp-knobbed mud snail Sitatunga Sonoran Desert millipede Southern screamer
Southern tamandua Southseas devil Spotfin hatchetfish Spotted platyfish Spur-winged lapwing Swan goose Tamaulipan rock rattlesnake Tammar wallaby Texas horned lizard Three-colored hermit crab Tiger ratsnake Turban snail Venus sea fan Vinegaroon Violet turaco Western lowland gorilla White stork White-lipped island pitviper Whooping crane Yellow-blotched palm pitviper Zebra cichlid
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economic Conservation New Awards At the &impact Accolades zoo 2025 conservation Conchos Pupfish Breakthrough San Antonio Zoo’s aquarium team received the ZAA Ex Situ Conservation Award for being the first in the world to successfully reproduce the threatened Conchos pupfish in human care. In partnership with Texas Parks and Wildlife, the program has grown a thriving assurance population, highlighting the zoo’s leadership in aquatic conservation and its commitment to protecting even the smallest species.
2025 Wildlife Conservation of the Year Award at E2c luncheon San Antonio Zoo hosted its 10th annual Education 2 Conservation Celebration Luncheon on April 23, honoring the Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF) and its Executive Director and Co-Founder, Stephanie Fennessy, with the prestigious Wildlife Conservation of the Year Award. The event raised critical funds for global giraffe protection, including a $10,000 donation to support GCF’s conservation work across 21 African countries. The annual luncheon highlighted the zoo’s commitment to conservation and celebrated the collective impact of supporters helping protect giraffes from silent extinction.
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economic New Conservation Awards At the &impact Accolades zoo 2025 conservation
Dr. Danté Fenolio Named Four-Time Finalist for Prestigious Wolfgang Kiessling International Prize for Species Conservation Dr. Danté Fenolio, Vice President for the Center for Conservation & Research at San Antonio Zoo, was named a finalist for the prestigious Wolfgang Kiessling International Prize for Species Conservation, recognizing his decades of global impact in protecting endangered species and habitats. One of the world’s top honors in conservation, the Kiessling Prize celebrates leaders whose work advances species recovery and habitat protection, with finalists selected from more than 30 countries. Dr. Fenolio’s career includes pioneering breeding programs for rare salamanders and founding Project Selva, an indigenous community-based initiative in Amazonian Peru, highlighting San Antonio Zoo’s growing role in global conservation.
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economic New Conservation Awards At the &impact Accolades zoo 2025 conservation Six Years Strong: Rebuilding Texas’ Horned Lizard Population Center for Conservation & Research at San Antonio Zoo reached a new milestone in its Texas Horned Lizard Reintroduction Project with the release of 28 horned lizards into managed native habitat, marking the sixth consecutive year of reintroduction efforts. Since 2020, more than 300 zoo-hatched lizards have been released into the wild, rehabilitated Texas landscape. There is evidence that the released lizards are surviving, signaling positive progress for the declining species. Through science, collaboration with partners like Texas Parks & Wildlife Department and Zoo Miami, and long-term field monitoring, the project is helping restore an iconic symbol of Texas to its rightful landscape.
Edge of the Earth: Tales of Conservation Podcast San Antonio Zoo debuted Edge of the Earth: Tales of Conservation, hosted by Dr. Danté Fenolio, Ph.D, and his daughter Sierra. This podcast explores wildlife conservation, connecting local efforts to global impact. Episodes are available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, and YouTube, with a new episode premiering every other week.
Scan the QR code to check out Edge of the Earth: Tales of Conservation 22
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economic Happenings New Conservation Awards At the &impact Accolades zoo 2025 happenings A Rare Honor in Veterinary Excellence San Antonio Zoo has achieved a rare milestone in animal care by earning accreditation from the American Animal Hospital Association, becoming only the second zoo in the world and the first in Texas to receive this honor. The distinction places the zoo among an elite group of institutions recognized for meeting the highest standards in veterinary medicine, patient safety, and animal wellbeing. Awarded after an extensive evaluation of more than 900 benchmarks, the accreditation reflects San Antonio Zoo’s continued leadership in providing world-class care for every animal in its care.
Wildlife Rescue, presented by Bank of Texas In the spring of 2025, children explored, climbed, and learned about endangered species with Wildlife Rescue, presented by Bank of Texas, a hands-on adventure featuring 12 life-sized animal sculptures in Kronkosky’s Tiny Tot Nature Spot. Featured animals included Black Rhinoceros, Cheetah, Pangolin, Panamanian Golden Frog, Orangutan with a baby on the back, and more.
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economic New Conservation Happenings Awards At the &impact Accolades zoo 2025 happenings ZOO LA-LA! A TASTE OF SAN ANTONIO PRESENTED BY HIGGINBOTHAM On April 3, 2025, the 29th annual Zoo La-La! A Taste of San Antonio, presented by Higginbotham, brought guests together for the city’s premier 21+ food and drink event. Attendees enjoyed bites from more than 50 top restaurants, along with curated wines, craft cocktails, and live entertainment from Intensity Band Houston. Proceeds support San Antonio Zoo’s conservation efforts, protecting wildlife in Texas and around the world.
40th Annual Zoo Run & Kids Zoo Run Presented by h-e-b San Antonio Zoo celebrated 40 years of the wildest race in town with the 40th Annual Zoo Run on September 5, featuring adult and youth races, commemorative gear, zoo perks, and an after-party, all supporting wildlife conservation. The fun continued with the 40th Annual Kids Zoo Run, presented by H-E-B, where young runners helped protect wildlife with every step.
Kiddie Park Celebrates 100 Years as America’s Oldest Children’s Amusement Park San Antonio’s beloved Kiddie Park celebrated its 100th anniversary on April 10 with a special centennial event honoring a century of family fun and timeless rides. The festivities featured a time capsule dedication, a limited-edition Fiesta medal, giveaways, new birthday party previews, and free commemorative balloons and cupcakes for the first 100 guests. Now part of San Antonio Zoo, the nation’s oldest children’s amusement park continues to delight new generations while preserving its iconic 1920s charm.
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economic New Conservation Happenings Awards At the &impact Accolades zoo 2025 happenings 40th Annual Zoo Run Top 2 Zoo in the nation Presented by h-e-b San Antonio Zoo was named the Top 2 “Best Zoo” in the nation by Newsweek, climbing from the No. 3 spot in 2024 through the magazine’s annual Readers’ Choice Awards. The zoo has also earned the title of Best in Texas five times in the last 6 years and has ranked in the Top 10 nationally for four consecutive years, twice placing No. 2 overall. Additional recent honors include recognition from USA TODAY’s 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards for “Best Zoo Exhibit” and “Best Zoo Membership,” along with a nomination for Best Zoo in the United States. Locally, San Antonio Zoo was also named the “#1 Local Tourist Attraction” in MySA’s 2025 Reader’s Choice Awards.
From Zoo Grounds to the Alamo: A Limestone Legacy San Antonio Zoo unexpectedly helped uncover a piece of Texas history with the discovery and verification of the original location of the limestone that supplied the stone for the construction of The Alamo. The find came during excavation for the zoo’s Congo Falls gorilla habitat and The Ralston, when unearthed limestone prompted further investigation. Geological testing and historical research confirmed that the quarry, located on the zoo’s far west side, was a primary source of limestone used in the 1700s to build the Alamo Church and other early San Antonio structures. With more than a century of its own history, San Antonio Zoo was proud to help reveal this remarkable link between the city’s past and present.
Scan the QR code to watch the full story featured on Good Morning America sazoo.org
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economic New Conservation Happenings Awards At the &impact Accolades zoo 2025 happenings
Big Bugs Take Over San Antonio Zoo During the summer, San Antonio Zoo welcomed guests to meet its biggest stars yet with Big Bugs, a vibrant seasonal attraction that transformed the zoo into a world of larger-than-life insects. Big Bugs invited visitors to wander among towering animatronic insects, including a Dung Beetle, Praying Mantis, Spider, Scorpion, Butterfly, and Bee, with more bugs added throughout the season. The experience offered a fun and engaging way to learn about the vital role insects play in our ecosystems. Big Bugs was big and buzzy, with new surprises for guests to enjoy, including Critter Cruisers, a rideable beetle, an insect slide, and the addition of new bugs. To celebrate the attraction, the Insectería pop-up tent opened, featuring plush bugs and adventurous edible treats such as crickets, scorpions, ant lollipops, and larvae trail mix. Big Bugs was included with zoo admission and was free for members and remained on display from May 24 through September 2, 2025.
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economic New Conservation Happenings Awards At the &impact Accolades zoo 2025 happenings The Zoo’s biggest fiesta medal yet! The zoo’s 2025 Fiesta Medal celebrated Congo Falls. Featuring the world’s tallest gorilla tower, Congo Falls redefined the landscape of zoological gorilla habitats across the globe. Spanning two acres, it is the largest habitat in San Antonio Zoo history. It also inspired the biggest Fiesta Medal the zoo had ever created at three inches by three inches. The stunning medal was a must-have for Fiesta fans and animal lovers alike, offering guests the opportunity to own a unique piece of San Antonio Zoo history.
Art Comes to Life at San Antonio Zoo San Antonio Zoo has made art a key part of the visitor experience, from the iconic Lion Pride sculpture to the new Bronze Gorilla by Bob Guelich, welcoming guests and celebrating conservation. Additional works, including Gillie and Marc’s Beno Thinking Big and The Wild Table of Love, along with interactive gorilla sculptures and topiaries, bring wildlife stories to life and inspire discovery for guests of all ages.
Zoo Cares: Together for Texans San Antonio Zoo donated 20,000 complimentary admission tickets—valued at more than $500,000—to flood-affected families, volunteers, and first responders through its Zoo Cares: Together for Texans campaign. During a special $10 admission offer held August 2–10, 2025, the zoo pledged to donate one ticket for every ticket purchased and used. Tickets were distributed with the help of community partners, including Goodwill, Salvation Army, and Hill Country MHDD. sazoo.org
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economic New Conservation Happenings Awards At the &impact Accolades zoo 2025 happenings 40th Annual Presented by Zoo PNCRun offers Presented by h-e-b fun Family-Friendly Halloween Guests enjoyed daily free trick-or-treating, live entertainment, fall-themed food and drinks, and more for guests of all ages. Festivities included a revamped Día de los Muertos Plaza, the all-new John and Greli Less Spider Rainforest activation, six sugar skull animal sculptures with candy stations, a dog costume contest, and extended hours on Halloween. In support of wildlife conservation, the candy given out during trick-or-treating was eco-friendly, made with sustainably sourced palm oil, benefiting rainforest ecosystems and animals.
Día de los Muertos Celebration Returns to ZOO BOO! San Antonio Zoo hosted its 4th annual Día de los Muertos Community Animal Ofrenda during ZOO BOO!, presented by PNC Bank, honoring beloved pets. Guests joined in by placing photos of their late companions on a vibrant ofrenda in Zootennial Plaza. The event celebrated life and culture, with complimentary photo printing available on select days, reinforcing the zoo’s commitment to community engagement and remembrance rooted in San Antonio’s rich cultural heritage.
40th Annual Zoo Run Zoo Lights, powered by cps energy Presented by h-e-b Zoo Lights brought bigger, brighter, and wilder holiday magic to San Antonio Zoo, delighting guests of all ages with dazzling lights, 3D holiday animal displays, festive entertainment, family fun, and photos with Santa. Highlights included the Lakeside Lightshow, the Enchanted Tree, and Lights on the Lawn with giant LED trees and whimsical snow machines, plus live performances and meet-and-greets at the Holiday Performance Pavilion. Guests enjoyed twinkling lights, seasonal treats, and larger-than-life animal displays, creating memorable holiday experiences for the whole family.
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economic New Conservation Happenings Awards At the &impact Accolades zoo 2025 happenings 7th Annual Kids ZOo Ball, presented by DOCUmation Jungle Contest participants at the 7th Annual Kids Zoo Ball, presented by DOCUmation, raised $91,699.25, contributing to the event’s $207,707.25 total in support of San Antonio Zoo’s animal care, education, and conservation efforts. As a signature young philanthropy event, Kids Zoo Ball inspires the next generation to give back and champion wildlife. Frankie Buttacavoli was crowned Queen of the Jungle, Kolt Sigman was named King, and Chair Dani Guido helped lead a meaningful and impactful evening.
43rd Annual Zoobilation Ball The 43rd Annual Zoobilation Ball, Congo Nights, presented by The Will Smith Foundation, delivered an unforgettable evening at San Antonio Zoo. Chaired by Jamie and Travis Kowalski, the spectacular event raised more than $2.2 million in support of the zoo’s mission to L.E.A.P. for wildlife—advancing animal care, conservation, and education. A heartfelt thank you to the generous supporters, dedicated volunteers, partners, and Zoo Crew who made this magical night possible.
Scan the QR code to check out the recap video from Zoo Ball Congo nights! sazoo.org
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economic New Conservation Happenings Awards At the &impact Accolades zoo 2025 happenings Brewer Ocean Conservation Lab San Antonio Zoo announced plans to build the Brewer Ocean Conservation Lab, a 937‑sq‑ft coral lab opening in 2026 between Chango’s Café and the Aquarium. Featuring Texas and tropical coral in eye‑level tanks, the lab offers guests an up-close look at these fragile ecosystems. In partnership with NOAA, the zoo will cultivate coral for reintroduction back to wild coral reefs and host free educational talks about its vital role in ocean health. The lab reflects the zoo’s commitment to conservation, education, and inspiring action to protect wildlife.
NEW Methodist HEALTH WALK San Antonio Zoo and Methodist Healthcare launched the Methodist Health Walk, a scenic mile-long route through the zoo that promotes wellness, mindfulness, and family fun. Guests can use a special passport featuring animals and health tips, complete the walk, and redeem a prize at Valerie Guenther Mariposa Market or Jambo Market. The walk is open to all zoo guests as a fun, active way to connect with nature and explore the zoo.
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economic Education New Conservation Happenings Awards At the &impact Accolades zoo 2025 educATION 40th Annual RunRica Teen Volunteers onZoo Costa Presented byExpedition h-e-b Conservation San Antonio Zoo partnered with Earthwatch and Osa Conservation to take six teens on a week-long conservation expedition to Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula. They trained in field research—monitoring wildlife, habitats, and vegetation—and experienced rainforest biodiversity firsthand, from howler monkeys to sea turtle hatchlings.
Zoo Wins Education award for Game Night at the Zoo San Antonio Zoo won the Innovation Award for Game Night at the Zoo: Dungeons & Dragons, where guests rolled dice in immersive, zoo-themed adventures led by the zoo’s Dungeon Masters, complete with themed battlesnacks and pre-generated characters.
Record-breaking School field trips
total students
123,660
Zoo Camp total campers
1,743
68%
From title 1 schools
$182,515.85 raised for title 1 schools sazoo.org
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economic Education New Conservation Happenings Awards At the &impact Accolades zoo 2025 EDUCATION will smith zoo school A National First in Nature-Based Learning
Will Smith Zoo School was named the host site for the national Nature-Based Early Learning Conference.
Nature-Based Learning Across the Globe
Will Smith Zoo School provided nature-based learning training in Maui, welcoming educators from across the country as well as an international delegation from a school in Scotland.
New Wormhole Sculpture
Will Smith Zoo School unveiled the "wormhole," a new interactive art climbing structure in Wilderness. This structure was funded by donations of WSZS parents and was designed by an Austin artist and professor, Brent Baggett.
WILL SMITH ZOO SCHOOL EXPANDS INTO SEGUIN, TEXAS
Seguin ISD approved a groundbreaking public-private partnership with San Antonio Zoo’s nationally recognized Will Smith Zoo School, marking the first collaboration of its kind in Texas between a school district and a nature-based preschool. Launched in August at the Irma Lewis Outdoor Learning Center, the pilot program expanded tuition-free pre-kindergarten opportunities, transforming outdoor spaces into immersive classrooms where play, conservation, and curiosity drive learning.
New WSZS Kindergarten Program Will Smith Zoo School launched a new kindergarten program operated by San Antonio Zoo. The expansion builds on the school’s inquiry-based, outdoor-focused curriculum and continues its commitment as the nation’s largest nature-based preschool licensed by the State of Texas and accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
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economic impact New At the Conservation Happenings Awards Accolades zoo 2025 Donors |&2025 We are grateful to the generous supporters whose contributions made conservation, education, and animal care possible in 2025.
$1,000,000 - $4,000,000 Samuel and Laura Dawson The Alvarez Family Mays Family Foundation Jack and Valerie Guenther Foundation
$500,000 - $999,999 Kronkosky Charitable Foundation The Carroll & Marguerite Wheeler Foundation H-E-B
The Greg Kowalski Family Susan Naylor
$100,000 - $499,999 Cynthia Grossman Larry and Charlene Clark Robert S. and Amy Brewer Luke and Estee Kellogg The Greehey Family Foundation The Elma Dill Russell Spencer Foundation Charles and Lisa Harthan Texas Capital Bank Ken L. and Denise Schlaudt
Martha Seeligson Lynn E. and Caroline Laurence The Tracy Avery Foundation Estela Hollin-Avery Donald G. Elliott and Denise L. Elliott Ralston Family Foundation Mark and Mary R. Barrett The Adam R. Scripps Foundation Circle Bar Foundation
The Kate Marmion Charitable Foundation John R. and Greli N. Less Charitable Trust Elizabeth Huth Coates Charitable Foundation Texas A&M University - San Antonio The Estate of Lillian Puckett The Estate of David Torres Leslie Negley Geraldine G. Lawson Charitable Trust
$50,000 - $99,999 Charles and Stacy Clines Winkler Family Foundation The Charles Butt Foundation The Betty Stieren Kelso Foundation Thomas and Maryanne Guido James and Kelly S. Daniell
William (Billy) and Cheryl Freed Capital Group Companies Charitable Foundation The Rugeley Ferguson Foundation Carolina and AJ Lewis IV Travis and Jamie Kowalski City Vet & The Anderson Family
Valero Energy Corporation/Foundation Guido Construction Company, Inc. Stella C. Herff Charitable Trust
$15,000 - $49,999 Elsa and Bruce Grossman Family The Watermark Group Carol Lee Jones Educational and Cultural Fund of the SAAF KSL Family Foundation Edwin (Eli) J. and Blanca Whitney John K. Miller Charity Benefits Unlimited LLC Roxanne and Gretchen Rix Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry John and Libby Williams Johnson Charitable Fund JJ Real Co Inc. Frost Bank Support For Life The M.R.S Foundation The Roger L. and Laura D. Zeller Charitable Foundation The Harvey E. Najim Charitable Foundation
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Philip and Elizabeth H. Jacobs Patrick and Kathleen Kennedy The Bitterroot Mile Club Sewell Automotive Companies Neal Wagner and Deborah L. Callanan Christopher and Adrianna Grossman Clay and Cathy Killinger Robert N. Young, MD, Plastic Surgery Center DOCUmation Vaughn Vasconcellos and Suzanne D. Martin Myra Stafford Pryor Charitable Trust Howard Energy Partners Biglari Foundation Warriors Heart Bruce Walker Anonymous Rollins and Heather Rubsamen Jordan Booth 80/20 Foundation
Bracewell, LLP Bernard and Kathy L. Swift Gregory and Heather Parkhurst Robert and Kristin Tips Kris and LeAnn Trejo Genevieve Niederberger Trust Graham Weston and Valerie Collins Napoleon Puente-Cuellar Bank of Texas John and Erica Sun Brandon and Triana Grossman Brian and Larisa Colton Tim and Karen Hixon Foundation Wesley Fleming Carol Severyn Michael J. and Mary Pat Bolner Methodist Children's Hospital
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economic impact New Conservation Happenings Awards At the Accolades zoo 2025 Donors |&2025 We are grateful to the generous supporters whose contributions made conservation, education, and animal care possible in 2025.
$10,000 - $14,999 JB and Corinna Richter Jonathan and Helen L. Dear Julie and Warren Wilkinson Mark M. and Carolyn Johnson McFadin Family Foundation Michael and Beth B. Harper Patrick J. Perron The Abati Family Thomas and Patsy Inglet Tyler and Amy Burkett Feliciano & Virginia Vasquez Family C.H. Guenther & Son Muriel F. Siebert Foundation Mary Hobbs Griffith Foundation
Moody Gardens Tegna Foundation Nancy Smith Hurd Foundation The Metzger Group at Morgan Stanley Joan and Herb Kelleher Charitable Foundation Anonymous John and Kayla Skelton Laddie and Camille L. Denton Ancira Auto Group Noel and Sabrina Scott Justin A. and Lynzee Hill Frank and Jill Ruttenberg Gina Langley James and Rhonda Hollerbach
LKCM South Texas Partners LLC Hill Law Firm George P. and Julie Parker Ryan and Lauren Malitz Hixon Properties Incorporated Pellegrino & Associates Robert and Julie Miggins Mary Quandt Pape-Dawson Engineers, Inc. PNC Bank Enzo T. Pellegrino HIVE Digital Technologies LTD - Frank Holmes Nathalie and Gladys Dalkowitz Charitable Trust
University of Oklahoma Glyn Hack Annita Hereford-Crump Vanessa Oxley Cameron Redding Carmen Gamez Mary Cole Tim and Dawn Lippard Dallas Safari Club David and Jolie Berndt Ross H. and Chase Studer Kevin and Federica Covey Faye L. and William L. Cowden Charitable Foundation Visit San Antonio SouthState Bank Wells Fargo Advisors Texas Spine Care Center M. E. Allison & Co Inc ProCare Mobility and Medical Supply Graystone Consulting - Morgan Stanley Touchstone Communities Inc. Cavender Auto Family Learning Express Security Service Federal Credit Union Steve’s Charitable Foundation
Andrew and Faryl Greller Brian and Hannah Steward Gregg and Veronica Potter Jeanmarie M. Tulipane Jim and Kelly Satel John L. Nau III Johnny and Ruthie Russell Jose and Peggy Rebolledo Louis and Sandra Malarcher Michael Riggs Robert and Elizabeth Lende Wayne K. Pfeiffer Bitterblue, Inc. Lacuna Autism Services San Miguel Electric Coop (SNECI) Greater San Antonio Emergency Physicians McComas Wallcovering & Supply Inc Veterinary Growth Partners Ignite Veterinary Solutions Stoecker Corporation The Harris K. & Lois G. Oppenheimer Foundation Carol Tyrrell Kyle Foundation The Alfred S. Gage Foundation Thrive Pet Health Jill Wittry Acorn Pediatrics of San Antonio Richard Stribley USAA Thornton and Wendy Goetting Robert and Anna Sigman Chris and Christina Mejia Sysmex America Inc. Natural Bridge Caverns Travis Franzen Stanley and Susan B. Casto
$5,000 - $9,999 Malitz Construction, Inc. Labatt Foundation Truist Presidio Concrete Jeremy and Elizabeth Forster Elizabeth D. Conklyn Fern Lee (Missy) Finck Sara Stumberg Walker Jerry Kloberdanz H. Anthony Troche Fernando R. and Maria Reyes Methodist ER City Base John and Tracee K. Feik Liberto Management Co., Inc. Michael Foran
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