During the regular Tuesday meeting of the Amarillo City Council, members revisited a topic that has stirred growing local interest — the potential lease of the Amarillo Zoo to the Wild West Wildlife Rehabilitation Center (WWWRC). The idea of transferring operational management of the zoo to the non-profit organization first surfaced publicly in July, and Tuesday’s discussion provided new details about what such a partnership could mean for the city, its taxpayers, and the future of the zoo itself.
Background and Context
The Amarillo Zoo, located in Thompson Park, has been a community staple for decades, offering residents and visitors an opportunity to experience wildlife education and conservation close to home. However, Mayor Cole Stanley has previously acknowledged that the zoo faces ongoing infrastructure challenges. In an earlier discussion with High Plains Pundit, Stanley explained that the zoo’s facilities are aging and the city’s budget is limited in terms of funding major updates or modernizations.
Stanley has also stated that the city is open to considering all options to ensure the zoo’s future success — provided that whoever takes part in its operations brings the necessary expertise, resources, and proper insurance coverage. The potential partnership with WWWRC represents one such option.
Proposal Presented by Wild West Wildlife Rehabilitation Center
Stephanie Brady, director of the Wild West Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, led the presentation before the council. She outlined the organization’s qualifications and vision for how it would manage and enhance the zoo if the lease is approved.
Brady highlighted that WWWRC, a local nonprofit based in Amarillo, has developed a strong reputation through its partnerships with various wildlife organizations, universities, and conservation groups. Over its history, the center has collaborated with 12 different entities, ranging from academic institutions to private businesses.
Financially, Brady reported that WWWRC is debt-free and has seen significant growth in recent years. The organization’s income and assets rose from just over $58,000 in 2018 to more than $1 million in 2024 — a sign, she said, of stable and sustainable operations.
Keeping the Zoo’s Identity Intact
Brady emphasized during her remarks that leasing the zoo to WWWRC would not mean replacing its existing animals or turning the facility into something unrecognizable. “The Zoo is the Zoo,” she told council members, underscoring that the Amarillo Zoo would remain focused on public education, animal care, and conservation.
Instead of bringing in WWWRC’s rehabilitation animals, Brady proposed transforming the zoo into a non-profit entity. The move, she argued, would create more flexibility in operations, improve access to outside funding sources such as grants and sponsorships, and allow for more efficient management.
Under the proposed lease, the City of Amarillo would continue to own the land, but WWWRC would assume operational control and management responsibilities.
Proposed Improvements and Future Goals
If the lease moves forward, Brady outlined a long list of improvements and future plans for the zoo. These include:
Comprehensive animal care: Full veterinary exams for every animal within the first year of the partnership.
Facility upgrades: Enhanced animal enclosures, repairs to the parking lot, and an improved gift shop.
Exhibit expansion: Plans to add new exhibits and reimagine the zoo’s layout for a better visitor experience.
Long-term goals: Developing an on-site surgery suite, seeking accreditation for the zoo, and building partnerships with local businesses and sponsors.
Brady said that her goal would be to make the transition seamless for both animals and employees. She proposed a transition period beginning in December, during which she and her team would work alongside current zoo staff to learn about each animal’s care routines and needs.
Financial Considerations
According to Brady’s presentation, WWWRC would ask the city for $300,000 in financial support during the first year of the lease. After that initial period, the goal would be for the zoo to become self-sustaining, meaning taxpayers would not need to fund ongoing operations.
Mayor Stanley and council members expressed interest in the financial aspects of the proposal, as well as how it would affect existing city employees who work at the zoo. Council members encouraged Brady to begin direct conversations with zoo staff so they could ask questions and share feedback about the possible transition.
Community Implications and Next Steps
For Amarillo residents, the potential lease raises important questions about the balance between fiscal responsibility and maintaining a cherished public attraction. While the city’s ownership of the land would continue, the zoo’s daily operations, animal care, and overall direction could shift under new leadership.
Advocates for the partnership point to WWWRC’s track record, financial stability, and professional expertise as indicators that the nonprofit could breathe new life into the zoo. Others may want to ensure that public oversight, employee protections, and community engagement remain strong if operations are transferred to a private entity.
The discussion remains ongoing. City officials and Brady are expected to revisit the proposal in the next Amarillo City Council meeting in November, where they will likely consider more details about the financial structure, staffing, and contractual terms.
A Pivotal Decision Ahead
The future of the Amarillo Zoo could soon enter a new chapter — one shaped by collaboration between the city and a nonprofit with experience in wildlife care and conservation. Whether or not the lease ultimately moves forward, the ongoing discussions signal a broader effort to find sustainable solutions for public facilities that serve both educational and environmental roles.
