The Amarillo Zoo & Sanctuary is moving quickly through a period of transformation, with major improvements underway just weeks after the nonprofit officially took over operations on April 3. The effort focuses on restoring and upgrading the grounds and rebuilding exhibits from the former city zoo, with staff, volunteers, and community partners already making visible changes across the property.
Work crews have been actively resealing the monkey moat, constructing new platforms inside animal enclosures, and clearing overgrown vegetation that had accumulated in various parts of the grounds. These efforts are designed to improve both safety and habitat quality for the animals while also enhancing the visitor experience. During construction and renovation work, animals from affected areas were temporarily moved into holding spaces to ensure their safety.
Amarillo Zoo & Sanctuary Director of Operations Jessica Hammons says the improvements are already making a noticeable difference and credits the strong community response for helping move projects forward quickly.
“Bathrooms are updated, painted, and has new fixtures. The monkey moat will be cleaned out and refilled. And then again, some different things on the grounds being cleaned up,” said Hammons. “Some animals that we’ve gotten looked at, beak trims, nail trims, things like that we hope the community will see and just enjoy being here with us.”
According to Hammons, the early stages of renovation have focused on both structural upgrades and animal care improvements, with staff prioritizing welfare alongside infrastructure. The goal is to ensure the facility is not only visually improved but also better equipped to care for the animals long-term.
A wide range of local businesses, volunteers, and organizations have contributed labor, materials, and expertise to the effort. Partners include Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine, AISD Transition Achievement in the Community (TAC) students, Pantex, Lawson’s Plumbing, West Plains Lions Club, Country Line Farms, Warren CAT, Grow Amarillo, and Jones Customs & Trees. Their involvement has ranged from veterinary support and student volunteer work to heavy equipment assistance and landscaping projects.
“The community has responded beautifully,” said Hammons. “We are so blessed.”
One of the local businesses playing a hands-on role is Jones Customs & Trees, led by owner Shane Jones, who has been helping clear trees and improve safety conditions around multiple animal exhibits.
“We’ve done all the way around the lemur exhibit, and now we’re getting some of this dead out so it’s not dangerous for the public,” said Jones. “Next, we’re heading toward the bear exhibit.”
Jones emphasized that the work is not just a job, but something deeply connected to his personal history and family life. His long-standing relationship with the zoo spans decades.
“The zoo is an amazing place. I’ve been coming out here for almost 50 years. My wife loves it, our grandkids love it. It’s part of life. Every kid should be able to come out and see some cool animals,” said Jones.
Beyond physical improvements, leadership at the Amarillo Zoo & Sanctuary says the long-term vision is centered on education and community engagement. Staff hope to use the facility as a platform for learning about wildlife, conservation, and animal care, especially for younger generations in the region.
“Our biggest thing will be to really promote education of the animals here. These animals are still considered wildlife, even though they can’t be released back to where they’re originally from. We would love to share their stories with the community and let them know the difference that we can make by housing them here and teaching the next generation about these animals specifically,” said Hammons.
The sanctuary plans to highlight animal backgrounds, care routines, and conservation messages as part of its broader mission, positioning the facility as both a recreational destination and an educational resource.
The Amarillo Zoo & Sanctuary will host a soft opening on April 27 at 9:30 a.m., giving the public an early opportunity to see the changes firsthand. While some renovations will still be ongoing at that time, staff say the event will showcase completed upgrades and offer a glimpse into future plans for the space.
Visitors attending the soft opening can expect to see updated enclosures, improved grounds, and ongoing construction areas as the facility continues its transition. The nonprofit is also encouraging community members who want to support the project to contribute through its Amazon Wishlist.
.jpg)
