One of the largest zoos in Texas may soon see some upgrade work as the result of an industry accreditation report.
Located at 4001 E. Paisano Drive, the El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens was opened in 1930 and spans some 35 acres.
Last month it was announced that the zoo was losing its accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums due primarily to the conditions of some of its facilities.
In a subsequent statement released by the City of El Paso it was noted that the AZA group “cited ‘deferred maintenance’ in older guest areas of the facility, no concerns were raised regarding animal care, which remains the Zoo’s top priority.”
Zoo officials have said that a large number of facility improvements have been enacted in recent years, largely due to the 2012 passage of the city’s Quality of Life bonds.
The AZA report noted that improvements needed to be made in the zoo’s Asia section, as well as with a boardwalk in the Africa section. Walkway fencing in the zoo’s alligator and spider monkey exhibits, reports El Paso Matters, “are in poor condition.”
Interior work is scheduled to begin later this year in the roughly 60-year-old South American Pavilion.
It is thought that the zoo will try to reapply for AZA accreditation in 2026 once various facility improvements and upgrades have been completed.
April 21, 2025
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