CURRENT PROJECTS

CONSERVATION EFFORTS

It is the vision of our AZA accredited Zoo to Save Animals From Extinction (SAFE) and as such, the Zoo Society works to fund and support conservation efforts locally, nationally, and worldwide. Current initiatives include:

  • The work of the Lion Guardians in the Kenyan Maasailand, which sponsors one ranger’s salary for a year.
  • Asian Elephant Squad in Sumatra, where ‘mahouts’ train domesticated elephants to patrol and redirect wild elephants from encroaching on villages, helping to decrease the conflict between elephants and humans.
  • Turner Endangered Species Fund, which restores imperiled species on private lands.
  • Texas Parks & Wildlife for cameras that help monitor wildlife at the Franklin Mountains State Park.

Education on endangered species offers an opportunity to engage people in a meaningful conversation about conservation; with more knowledge, we can continue to take action for animal preservation.

Zoo Volunteer Program

The Zoo Society manages the volunteer program for the El Paso Zoo. We fund recruitment, orientation training, volunteer meetings, background checks, staff, supplies, professional development, vehicles, and other necessities required for our volunteers. We currently have 76 active volunteers in our program.

 

Capital Improvements

The Capital Improvements Committee for the Society works in conjunction with the Zoo to fund direct capital needs. Previously funded projects include:

  • Digital X-Ray Equipment in the Clinic
  • The McKee Giraffe Shade Structure and Viewing Hut
  • The Hunt Family Splash Pad
  • The Foster Tree House Playground
  • Public Shade Structures
  • El Paso Electric Kalahari Research Station
  • El Paso Water Utilities Discovery Education Facility

 

Zoo Memberships

With approximately 4,000 members, we raise 66% of our annual budget through memberships to the Zoo.

 

Zoo Operational Costs

The Zoo Society assists the El Paso Zoo with operational expenses in marketing, advertising, employee appreciation and professional development, education programs, maintenance, facilities, landscaping and more.

 

FUTURE PROJECTS AND PROJECTS IN NEED OF FUNDING

Low-Income School Field Trips

Every year, we help low-income schools visits the El Paso Zoo. These schools serve a large population of underprivileged students and we help off-set their expenses with admission and lunches for their visit. Students receive the same educational experience as schools that register through the Zoo Administration
office.
This is a great program for corporate sponsors to partner with us.

 

Zoo Veterinary Clinic Needs

Our Veterinary staff is always in need of the latest diagnostic and evaluation equipment for our animals, to further help with annual exams and to diagnose ailments.

 

Master Plan Projects

The Society provides a margin of excellence by helping off-set costs of the following projects from the Zoo’s Master Plan released in 2012.

  • Flamingo Exhibit –The Flamingo exhibit would be located at the entry of the South America entrance
  • Giant Anteater Exhibit – This exhibit will feature a large 40-100 lbs Giant Anteater.
  • Asian Small Claw Otter – This exhibit will include a variety of waterfalls, pools, rock-work, climbing structures, and vegetation.