El Paso Zoological Society

El Paso Zoological Society

The El Paso Zoological Society, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization formed in 1963, is a charitable organization whose mission is to help the City of El Paso in expanding, upgrading and promoting the El Paso Zoo. Our financial support goes for capital improvements, animal acquisition, conservation and educational programs for the Zoo. The Society's vision is to be the catalyst for the El Paso Zoo to provide a premier wildlife and natural habitat experience for residents of and visitors to the Paso del Norte region.

The El Paso Zoological Society has successfully administered grants from multiple sources, including The Wolslager Foundation, Helen of Troy, Gerald J. & Stanlee N. Rubin Family Trust, Cardinal Healthcare, ASARCO El Paso, Robert Bonaventure, El Paso Community Foundation, El Paso Electric Company, El Paso Veterinary Association, Robert E. & Evelyn McKee Foundation, Border Fund, JP Morgan Chase Bank, Hunt Family Foundation, Shiloff Family Foundation, El Paso Energy Corp., Reuben W. Harris, Sierra Providence Health Network, Wells Fargo Bank, El Paso Water Utilities Public Service Board, Western Refining Co., Sam's Club Foundation and Wal-Mart Foundation.

Major improvements supported in part or in whole by the El Paso Zoological Society:

1970's Established the Gift Shop and Snack Bar and raised funds for a sea lion pool.

1980's America Biome, Spider Monkey Island, South American Pavilion, Prairie Dog Exhibit and Education facilities.

1990's Maintenance/Commissary/Employee Lounge, Asian expansion, Paraje Exhibit, Americas Aviary, remodeling the Prairie Dog Exhibit, Hummingbird Garden, Recognition Garden, the Carolyn Rosenberg-Hirsh, MD Animal Medical Center, Veterinary Equipment, Volunteer Education Vehicle and Temporary Butterfly and White Tiger Exhibits.

2000's Temporary Komodo Dragon Exhibit, new Birds of Prey Exhibit, partial funding of the new Sea Lion Exhibit, Veterinary Equipment, Volunteer Education Vehicle, Water Filtration Equipment, Purple Pipe Connections, Zoo Benches and Zoo Brick Pavers.

Special programs sponsored in part or in whole by the Society include the 2000 AZA Regional Conference at the El Paso Zoo, Zoo staff to conferences, volunteer training and course development, education programs both on the Zoo grounds and at local schools, libraries, senior centers and rehabilitation facilities, the Traveling Safari vehicles to transport volunteers and animals to the education program sites, summer camp for elementary students, workshops for the public and special groups, and the annual Holiday Lights at the Zoo.