San Antonio Zoo’s cover photo
San Antonio Zoo

San Antonio Zoo

Museums, Historical Sites, and Zoos

Securing A Future For Wildlife

About us

San Antonio Zoo® is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization committed to securing a future for wildlife. Through its passion and expertise in animal care, conservation, and education, the zoo’s mission is to inspire its community to love, engage with, act for and protect animals and the places they live. The zoo welcomes more than a million visitors each year and is open year round. San Antonio Zoo is accredited by both the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the Zoological Association of America.

Industry
Museums, Historical Sites, and Zoos
Company size
501-1,000 employees
Headquarters
San Antonio
Type
Nonprofit
Founded
1914
Specialties
Education on Animal Conservation

Locations

Employees at San Antonio Zoo

Updates

  • As we wrap up an incredible year at San Antonio Zoo, we're grateful for every unforgettable moment, every wildlife milestone, and most importantly, your support. Join our President & CEO, Tim Morrow, as he shares a heartfelt holiday message and reflects on an unforgettable year. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season and a roaring start to 2025! 🎄🎁

  • A new long-necked resident is coming to San Antonio Zoo! The zoo is proud to announce the arrival of Waffles, a female reticulate giraffe, who officially joined the giraffe herd on Friday, November 29. Waffles was born on March 4, 2023, at Fossil Rim Wildlife Center to her parents Snorgie and Mananasi. Her transfer to San Antonio Zoo marks an important step in the Species Survival Plan (SSP), a collaborative conservation initiative run by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA). By managing genetically diverse and sustainable animal populations, SSP programs play a key role in protecting wildlife for generations to come. The International Union for Conservation of Nature listed several giraffe subspecies as critically endangered in 2018. US Fish and Wildlife Service moved to list three subspecies of northern giraffes as endangered under the Endangered Species Act for the first time. The service said the population has plummeted by 77% since 1985 to 5,919 individuals. A further two subspecies in East Africa, the Reticulated and the Masai giraffes are set to be listed as threatened, a step below the endangered status. The proposed listings will be finalized within a year. Guests will have the unique opportunity to see Waffles in the zoo’s new giraffe barn, a centerpiece of the Naylor Savanna. This innovative habitat provides an incredible view of Waffles up close as she acclimates to her new surroundings and plays an integral role in the zoo’s growing giraffe herd. Female giraffes reach sexual maturity at 3 to 4 years of age. Giraffes are known for their unique spotted patterns, which are as distinctive as human fingerprints. Beneath these striking spots are specialized sweat glands and blood vessels, helping giraffes regulate their body temperature. Combined with their immense height, these patterns also provide camouflage in their natural environments, proving there's more to these waffle patterns than meets the eye. Waffles has a very distinctive marking on her neck that resembles an hourglass. The animal care team at Fossil Rim shared that Waffles personality is very inquisitive, she loves to eat, and will be a great mom, she already shows maternal instincts. Starting today until December 31st Longnecks Bar & Grill, located adjacent to Naylor Savanna, is celebrating Waffles’ arrival with one-of-a-kind waffle flights. This one-of-a-kind treat is available from when the zoo opens to sundown each day. Guests can savor delicious treats while enjoying views of the Naylor Savanna, creating a sweet experience that's fun for the whole family. Waffles’ arrival reflects San Antonio Zoo’s dedication to wildlife conservation and its role within the community. By supporting critical programs like the Species Survival Plan, the zoo continues to set the standard in safeguarding the future of vulnerable species while creating unforgettable experiences for its guests.

    • No alternative text description for this image
    • No alternative text description for this image
    • No alternative text description for this image
  • In a landmark move, San Antonio Zoo proudly announces the promotion of Dr. Tarah Hadley to Sr. Director of Veterinary Care, making her the first female and African American to lead this pivotal 18-person department in the zoo’s 110-year history. This appointment marks a significant milestone not only for the zoo but also in the broader context of a field where African American veterinarians represent only 1.2% of the profession, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2021. Dr. Hadley's passion for veterinary care was ignited at the age of sixteen when she rescued a box turtle, setting her on a path dedicated to the care and rehabilitation of exotic animals. Since joining San Antonio Zoo in 2019 as the Assistant Director of Veterinary Care, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership and expertise. A board-certified specialist in avian medicine and surgery, Dr. Hadley ensures the health and happiness of every animal at the zoo, from colorful lorikeets to towering giraffes. Her adept handling of the 2021 winter storm crisis further underscored her commitment to animal wellbeing, as she led efforts to protect and relocate hundreds of animals in the face of extreme weather conditions and power grid disruptions. Dr. Hadley's influence extends beyond San Antonio Zoo, reflecting her longstanding dedication to wildlife. At Georgia's AWARE Wildlife Center, she transformed the facility into the state's most extensive wildlife rehabilitation center, managing the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of more than 3,500 native species annually. Her continued advocacy in San Antonio significantly impacts the local homeless pet population. Her achievements have earned her a place among the Top 50 Zoo & Aquarium Influencers in 2022 and a finalist for the national Hero Veterinarian award by American Humane. "I am excited to lead our animal health and nutrition teams as we support San Antonio Zoo's wildlife conservation mission," said Dr. Tarah Hadley, Sr. Director of Veterinary Care at San Antonio Zoo. "I look forward to engaging with the public and our community partners in this new chapter of our zoo's growth and development." "We are so proud and honored to have Dr. Tarah Hadley as the head of our Veterinary Care team at San Antonio Zoo,” said Tim Morrow, President & CEO of San Antonio Zoo. “Not only is she incredible at her craft, but she is also a wonderful human that will lead our award-winning institution into the most momentous year in our 110-year history. We cannot wait for the bright future ahead for all animals and guests."

    • No alternative text description for this image
    • No alternative text description for this image
    • No alternative text description for this image
    • No alternative text description for this image
  • This #GivingTuesday, we invite you to support San Antonio Zoo and join a global movement of generosity! Your support helps us continue to inspire people to love, engage with, act for, and protect animals and the habitats they call home. Together, let’s make a lasting impact for wildlife and conservation. 🌍💚 Every donation counts. Join us this for this year's Giving Tuesday to make a difference! #SupportSanAntonioZoo #GivingTuesday #WildlifeConservation

    This content isn’t available here

    Access this content and more in the LinkedIn app

  • Thank you to KENS 5 for stopping by and taking a look at Spekboom Lodge! This unique eco-friendly retreat offers guests a front-row seat to experience wildlife up close in a beautiful, conservation-centered environment. From sunrise over the savanna to nights surrounded by nature’s sounds, each stay supports the San Antonio Zoo’s mission to protect and preserve wildlife. 🌍 Book your spot and be among the first to experience the magic of Spekboom Lodge! Learn more at our website.

  • San Antonio Zoo is excited to announce that Daryl Hoffman will begin his role as the new Vice President of Animal Care at the start of 2025! Daryl fills a position that was previously held by Alan Kardon for 48 years until his retirement earlier this year. With over 30 years of distinguished experience in animal care and conservation, Hoffman’s appointment represents a significant milestone for the zoo. His leadership will be instrumental as the zoo prepares to introduce a world-class gorilla habitat and continues its ambitious master plan, including the anticipated return of Asian Elephants. Daryl Hoffman joins San Antonio Zoo from Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, where as Vice President of Living Collections, he was instrumental in overseeing animal care at the zoo and the International Conservation Center. His extensive expertise in managing large mammals and their habitats, including developing award-winning habitats and his pivotal role in establishing one of North America’s most successful Asian Elephant breeding programs, positions him as a leading figure in animal care and conservation. Prior to his time in Pittsburg, Daryl spent 16 years as the Curator of Large Mammals at Houston Zoo, and before that, Daryl spent 15 years at the Buffalo Zoo as a Lead Keeper for Elephant/Rhino/Sea Lion. Hoffman has played a crucial role in global elephant conservation as a board member of the International Elephant Foundation and Executive Director of the Elephant Managers Association. His contributions have also been widely recognized and respected as an instructor for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and representation in various elephant conservation committees. Under Hoffman’s leadership, the zoo is poised to advance its much-anticipated master plan, expanding the zoo’s footprint across 281 and reinforcing its dedication to providing educational and enriching experiences for visitors and exemplary care for its animal residents. The upcoming introduction of gorillas at Congo Falls is just the beginning of exciting developments on the horizon for San Antonio Zoo.

    • No alternative text description for this image
    • No alternative text description for this image
    • No alternative text description for this image
    • No alternative text description for this image
  • San Antonio Zoo reposted this

    Pawtober is the purr-fect time to give a pet a forever home! 🎃✨ Adopt from ADL this month and receive 2 FREE tickets to Zoo Boo! Plus, enjoy NO ADOPTION FEES through October 15th thanks to BISSELL Pet Foundation’s Empty the Shelters initiative! Don't miss this pawsome opportunity to find your perfect companion and enjoy some spooky fun at the San Antonio Zoo! 🐶🐱❤️ #ZooBoo #EmptyTheShelters #ADL

    • No alternative text description for this image

Similar pages

Browse jobs