Amarillo city leaders have begun early discussions on the future of the Amarillo Zoo, sparking a public conversation about modernization, infrastructure needs, and how best to support the zoo’s staff, animals, and visitors. While no formal proposal has been made, statements from city officials make it clear that this is a matter of priority — and that the community will have a voice in shaping what comes next.
Early Conversations, Not Decisions
The discussions so far have been preliminary, taking place during a closed-door session allowed under Texas law. According to Councilmember Les Simpson, the intent of the meeting was to begin exploring potential avenues to improve the zoo’s operations and infrastructure — not to make decisions in secret.
“There has only been a very preliminary discussion about the operation of the zoo in one meeting, which was held in a closed council session as allowed by Texas law due to the topic,” said Simpson. “I’m disappointed that confidential discussions about the zoo were shared publicly before any proposal was developed. These were early conversations, not decisions. If any formal plan is brought forward, it will go through a full public process with transparency and community input. The public deserves full facts—not fragments.”
Focused on Improvement, Not Closure
Despite rumors or assumptions, the city has no intention of closing or selling the Amarillo Zoo. Mayor Cole Stanley has been clear on this point.
“We have reviewed the fact, one, we own the zoo, it’s public land, and it’s not for sale, so nobody is trying to sell the zoo, and two, nobody has an interest in closing the zoo down,” said Stanley.
Instead, the city council is exploring how to bring the aging facility into the modern era. That includes reviewing the zoo’s budget — which Stanley said is over $600,000 — and considering staffing needs, infrastructure repairs, and even outside partnerships.
“We see the potential and importance of capitalizing on opportunities that will modernize our zoo facility and experience,” said Stanley. “Council’s goal is to improve the conditions for the staff, the animals, and our customers.”
Weighing All Options
The city is considering a wide range of possibilities, including public-private partnerships that could bring new expertise and investment into the zoo. Stanley stressed that anyone brought in would need to meet strict standards.
“Definitely won’t have anybody that wouldn’t have the expertise and capabilities, and I’ll say insurance qualifications for the liabilities to handle, not only what is currently at the zoo, but also what is projected to come to the zoo,” Stanley explained. “We still want that interactive experience and so that is what we are looking for.”
City leaders are working to balance the zoo’s role in education and recreation with the very real financial and infrastructure constraints it faces.
“Plenty of people, plenty of schools, education, all sorts of fun and family and kind of that park/recreation style of quality of life is still important to our city,” Stanley said. “What we are looking for is all options... trying to partner with an outsource mechanism that could increase and add to what we are already doing.”
Supporting Zoo Staff
One major consideration in any future changes is the zoo’s current staff — individuals who, according to Stanley, have done admirable work under less-than-ideal conditions.
“We have many good employees that work really hard to take care of old equipment and try to take care of animals the best they can with a pretty limited budget,” Stanley said. “We are looking at how do we support those employees with looking at partnerships and bringing additional resources.”
Stanley emphasized that employees will not be pushed aside.
“We greatly prioritize our employees and we need them... What I would tell you, this dining table has a few open seats and room for people to sit down, we are not trying to tell anybody they are not welcome.”
The city is also considering options for current staff should new partnerships change operational models. “Do we have an employee option where we have other needs around the city and those employees could work different departments, if they wanted to?” Stanley asked. “Every option is available.”
A Transparent Public Process to Come
Ultimately, Mayor Stanley and Councilmember Simpson both affirm that no action will be taken without community involvement and full transparency.
“It’s really important to stay objective as to what we as council want to invest and envision and accomplish for the zoo... that will come back for a public discussion,” said Stanley. “You will hear all options and at that time you will see how the vote will go.”
As of now, the zoo’s future remains in the discussion phase, with nothing yet set in stone. But one thing is clear: the goal is to improve, not dismantle, and city leaders want the public to be part of that process.
In Summary:
No sale or closure of the Amarillo Zoo is being considered.
City leaders are exploring ways to modernize and improve the zoo.
Preliminary discussions included budget, staffing, infrastructure, and potential partnerships.
Zoo staff will be supported, not displaced.
Any formal proposal will go through a transparent public process.
