Amarillo City Council Approves Big Plan for Amarillo Zoo

Big changes are coming to the Amarillo Zoo. The Amarillo City Council has approved a new lease agreement that will allow Amarillo Zoo & Sanctuary, Inc. (AZS) to take over operations of the Amarillo Zoo.

If you remember, last November Stephanie Brady with the Wild West Wildlife Rehabilitation Center presented a proposal to the City of Amarillo outlining how they would take over operations of the Amarillo Zoo. The City of Amarillo decided to move forward with the proposal. The new model for the Amarillo Zoo is designed to modernize the facility and create long-term sustainability.

Read More: Amarillo Zoo Plans Major Upgrade and New Mission

Why the Amarillo Zoo Is Changing

The Amarillo Zoo will still be owned by the city, including the land, buildings, and animals.  AZS will handle all the daily operations, programming, and new development.  The Amarillo Zoo will focus on conservation, education, and community engagement.

While the city maintains ownership, AZS will be able to pursue grants, donations, and partnerships.

Details of the Amarillo Zoo Lease Agreement

The City of Amarillo approved a 20-year lease agreement with AZS for $1 per year through December 2046.  This will include three optional five-year renewal periods.  These renewals also depend on compliance and accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums or the Zoological Association of America.

Funding the Zoo Transition

The city may also provide up to $900,000 in grant funding over the next six years to help with the transition. The funding is as follows:

• Year 1: $150,000
• Year 2: $250,000
• Year 3: $200,000
• Year 4: $150,000
• Year 5: $100,000
• Year 6: $50,000

The Amarillo Zoo must also continue to operate as a community education facility. They must offer programs that include school field trips, camps, and outreach events. Any changes to the program must have City Council approval. The agreement also requires a qualified zoological veterinarian to be available for routine and emergency care.

What This Means for the Future of the Amarillo Zoo

With this new partnership and future grants, the possibilities are endless. The exhibits will hopefully expand, and the zoo will have improved habitats for the animals and new programs for zoo visitors

This vote marks the first step toward making the Amarillo Zoo and Sanctuary a reality.

Our vision is to transform the Amarillo Zoo & Sanctuary into a place focused on providing lifelong sanctuary and the best possible care for the animals already here. We want to share their stories, explain why they are here, and create a welcoming, family oriented place where people can connect with wildlife while learning about conservation. - Stephanie Brady

According to information shared by the Wild West Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, several key points will guide the transition to the Amarillo Zoo & Sanctuary:

• No animals will be purchased. Animals at the Amarillo Zoo & Sanctuary would come from other zoos, rehoming situations, sanctuaries, or animals confiscated by law enforcement that need permanent placement.
• Current zoo staff remain important. Several members of the existing Amarillo Zoo team have already been interviewed and are expected to remain with the zoo as the transition moves forward.
• The sanctuary will be a separate nonprofit. Amarillo Zoo & Sanctuary will operate independently from the Wild West Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.
• Wild West Wildlife will continue operating. While a few staff members may move into roles at the zoo, the majority of the team and resources will remain dedicated to the rehabilitation center.
• Local partnerships will be encouraged. Businesses will have opportunities to sponsor animal enclosures and support the zoo while receiving recognition for their contributions.

Read More: The Amarillo Zoo Has a New Resident, and She’s As Cute as a Button!

For the first time in a very long time, residents can look forward to an improved zoo experience. This will not happen overnight, but the goal is a zoo that Amarillo can be proud of and one that visitors will want to see when they travel through the Texas Panhandle.