San Antonio Zoo Master Plan
Set in San Antonio’s beautiful and historic Brackenridge Park, San Antonio Zoo hosts over 1,000,000 guests annually on its 56 acres. The Zoo’s unique character is defined by the limestone cliffs of the quarry once housed there, the dramatic historic live oaks draped in Spanish moss, and the intricate stonework of the walls and buildings constructed by the WPA. The Zoo features a portion of the world-famous Riverwalk, and is home to over 750 species of animals including a robust bird and reptile collection. The Zoo is considered the foremost world leaders in cave ecology and conservation.
Under new leadership, the San Antonio Zoo hired PGAV to help guide a vision for the next 20 years of improvement and development. After thorough analysis of the site, conservation programming, animal collection, competition, and revenues, the master plan identified goals for becoming the leading conservation organization in Texas, being recognized as a ‘world best zoo,’ and continuing to grow profits through attendance growth and revenue diversification. The master plan identified a major renovation for the entry of the Zoo that not only improves efficiency and allows increased attendance growth but also is a defining experience of the Zoo brand—family fun with a nod to the history of San Antonio. Additionally, the master plan identified an expansion of nearly 15 acres dedicated almost entirely to the care and welfare of the zoo’s elephants.
