San Antonio Zoo San Antonio Zoo - "Generation Zoo" Master Plan

nczoofan

nczoofan

Well-Known Member
5+ year member
The zoo has unveiled the first phase of there new master plan, named Generation Zoo. The main component of this plan will be a new entrance section, yet other unnamed projects are likely within the phase. The entrance complex is excepted to cost $15-20 million, while the entire Phase I will cost around $70 million.

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's 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
Click to expand...

CZY7J4WS2ZC6VKFRZSZC6BU5Z4.png

EGLMHZ4345FGFGP4FYL2WCFNLE.png

6YGWQRMCMRHEHBPW2LYH5QXHQA.jpg

RNN2MGMZMBDEROBMG4ZVOVRVPI.JPG
 
DavidBrown said:
What do you see this zoo doing with their elephant plans in the long term?
Click to expand...

I’m torn because the zoos staff have made it clear once Lucky is gone it is unlikely that they continue to have elephants in the current exhibit. But at the same point I have heard that the zoo is committed to elephants longterm from a bunch of different people. I haven’t seen the masterplan but the only option for elephants would be an exhibit on the other side of the highway. The zoo has about 9 acres over there, so plenty for a great elephant exhibit. This would be years down the road though after the new entrance and gorillas. Yet the most likely thing would be the zoo phases out elephants for a while after Lucky is gone and then brings them back if/when they raise the funds for a new exhibit.
 
Well, since it's phase one and entrance and saying gorillas, I'm not sure if it was the first stone grotto included in the arial view, currently housing lemurs, or if it was the next one beyond current grottos housing bears, but 30 years ago, that was an exhibit for a single gorilla.

Maybe they're going retro and doing that again. ;-) (hopefully not in actuality)
 
Trowaman said:
Well, since it's phase one and entrance and saying gorillas, I'm not sure if it was the first stone grotto included in the arial view, currently housing lemurs, or if it was the next one beyond current grottos housing bears, but 30 years ago, that was an exhibit for a single gorilla.

Maybe they're going retro and doing that again. ;-) (hopefully not in actuality)
Click to expand...

Interesting history. I believe the gorillas are slated for the back of the zoo, where the sitatunga were until recently along with the African rift valley area.

I doubt the zoo will keep the lemurs in the exhibits as is after this renovation, as it would be a rather outdated first exhibit to experience.
 
It's worth keeping in mind that the big announcement of the Master Plan focused on otters, bears, jaguars, kangaroos and the like. Not elephants or gorillas.
 
nczoofan said:
Hate the long lines at the SA Zoo? There’s a $20M solution

“In addition to building new exhibition spaces in areas that are currently underutilized, Morrow also wants to bring in or return several large species of animals to the zoo. Topping Morrow’s wish list: gorillas, orangutans, red pandas and additional elephants.”
Click to expand...
That's interesting that they want to bring in more elephants, but I don't see them housing a breeding herd unless Houston were willing to move Shanti, Joy and Nelson while retaining Tes's matriarch herd, but they could become a bachalor facility by welcoming Colonel Tusk, Tucker, Baylor, Bowie, and Duncan.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top